“Whether it is on stage, television or films, the character you play, should be an integral part of the script. If that is so, it’s a real enjoyment playing such roles.” says Neha Bam, who has been playing character roles in all the three sections of entertainment. But, besides that Neha has also done modeling for the print media and TV commercials. She began her acting career with Avishkar group on stage and simultaneously accepted some modeling assignments beginning with print ads for pharmaceutical companies.
If one has to know about her very recent role, it was in ‘The Dirty Picture’ where she played the mother of Vidya Balan. More than her role, Neha is all excited about her selection for this role. “Milan Luthria was seriously in search of a woman who would fit into that role. He had called for photographs from different model coordinators. I received a call for audition, when I was given the dialogues , I confidently gave the test and got selected. It was an achievement for me, as it was a big banner film.” says Neha.
With her 20 years of experience in acting field, Neha has done a number of acting assignments including some roles in TV serials and films, but the recent one was in ‘Ruk Jana Nahi’ on Star Plus, where she played a Professor. Among the 3 Bhojpuri films, the one which she liked the most was ‘Bairi Piya’ where she played a step mother. Neha is playing an important role in forthcoming Marathi film ‘Yada Yadahi Dharmasya’ and is eagerly waiting for its release. “I don’t know the reason, why the film is not being released yet. It’s a very good film with a strong script.” she adds.
Marathi Movie World had a chit chat with Neha. Excerpts from this discussion.
Q: You have worked in both Hindi as well as Marathi industry. What is the difference you have noticed ?
A: For an artiste like me, it does not make much difference. Luckily for me, I have worked with people who were very good with me.
Q: Do you think that the Balaji Group, recommended your name for the role in ‘The Dirty Picture’?
A: No, not at all. My selection was done by the director of the film Milan Luthria , after taking my audition. He had called for my profile from Model coordinator, since I had done print and TV ads before. During the audition I was given all those dialogues, which I uttered in this film.
Q: Don’t you think that you should have got recognition much earlier ?
A: No, I don’t think so. Actually, when I was doing modeling assignments, I wasn’t very serious about acting. It was only after I found time from my family, that I took acting assignments seriously.
Q: How do you manage your shooting schedules, besides your family ?
A: It was difficult few years after marriage and hence taken a break; but now, it is much easier, with the support and encouragement from my husband.
Q: Do you think that with your acting talent, it is easier to find better roles in Hindi too ?
A: Yes, being from a Maharashtrian family, many a times your accent creates a problem for audition in Hindi. But, if you are good in acting and work harder on different language accent; to find a suitable roles of different characters becomes much easier.