Brazil to Bollywood

Thousands of girls walk into Mumbai with Bollywood dreams. Was it a tough struggle for you?
I have to say I was very lucky. I got the role just 20 days after landing in the city. In fact,I had not even started doing the audition rounds; I was only looking for a photographer to get my portfolio clicked. Then I met the photographer Farrokh Chothia and he told me that Imtiaz Ali was looking for foreigners for his new film. I met Ali for the role of Jo (Saif’s foreign girlfriend),but Ali’s wife said I was Harleen Kaur.

Had you seen any Bollywood films?
No,but I was made to watch films after I got selected. I loved Jab We Met and Parineeta. I also saw some films of Aamir Khan and he’s my favourite Bollywood actor. I hope I get to work with him.

Did you realise that you’ve been paired opposite one of India’s top stars?
I had never heard of Saif Ali Khan. It was during the shoot that I realised everyone involved in the film was very famous. And when the promotions began I realised this would be such a big step for my career.

What was your interaction with Saif like during the shoot?
We barely had to interact in the film so I didn’t really talk to him much during the shoot. But he is such a good actor. I would just observe him all day and learn so much. He is particular about every single detail,even in the crowd scenes.

What was the most difficult part of acting in an Indian film?
It was the dancing,I was terrible at it. I still think I could have done much better. In Indian dance,every word has a different movement and expression and since I don’t understand Hindi it was very difficult. It took me really long to get the steps right and I really tested everyone’s patience on that day of shooting.

Your identity wasn’t revealed until the film’s release. Did you feel left out?
Not at all,I believe there is a time for everything.

Have you started feeling like a celebrity?
Yes,everywhere I go people ask me if I am Harleen Kaur. They get so excited to see me and keep talking to me as though Harleen is in front of them. It feels really nice that they have accepted me even though I am a Brazilian.

Have your family and friends in Brazil seen the film?
No,it isn’t available there yet. They are so excited and keep checking the Internet to see what new information is there about the film. I can’t wait for them to see it.

Have you taken a Mumbai train?
When I first came here I went shopping to Colaba by local train. It was a lot of fun but I have not got a chance to do it again.

Have you got used to Indian food?
I absolutely love rajma chawal. I ate at dhabas when we were shooting in Punjab and the tandoori chicken,dal and naans were yummy.

So do you plan to stay on in India?
Of course,I love this country and want to build my entire career here now.

Any more work?
Yes,I have got loads of modelling and film offers after the release of Love Aaj Kal. However,I am being very choosy and have not signed anything as yet.