“I went to collect some school funds from Satish Kaushik and he offered me Teree Sang” – Sheena Shahabadi

By Screen Weekly -

July 16, 2009 - 12:52 PM IST

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Launch Vehicle

My debut film Tere Sang deals with a very serious issue of teenage pregnancy. I play a 15-year-old high school student in the film, who falls into serious trouble when she gets pregnant. The film is very simple and I am sure every girl will be able to relate to my character, Mahi. She is a happy-go-lucky, chirpy girl but everything changes due to this one incident, but her boyfriend (played by Ruslaan Mumtaz) stays by her side throughout. They face the situation bravely and deal with it in a responsible manner.

Casting Coup

I had to collect some funds for school and was at my family friend, lyricist Sameer uncle's house. He suggested that I go to collect funds from his friend Satish Kaushik. I agreed and when I went there he offered me the money along with a role in Tere Sang. He said he wanted to cast someone young and I suited the part perfectly. I loved the role and thought it would be the best role with which to start my career.

Stepping-Stone

I have done a three-month acting course and a couple of dance courses from Shiamak Davar and Ganesh Acharya. I am also learning Kathak under the guidance of Uma Dogra.

“I went to collect some school funds from Satish Kaushik and he offered me Teree Sang” – Sheena Shahabadi

First Shot

I can't reveal much about the shot because that will give away the film's plot. It was a very serious shot and I was actually nervous. I had butterflies in my stomach and felt all jittery when I faced the camera for the first time. But things fell into place once the camera started rolling.

Stumbling Block

I actually didn't expect that I would get my break this easily. But there were a few scenes in the film, I was apprehensive about. Ruslaan and me had to do a couple of intimate scenes and I had my doubts about it. When Satish-sir got to know about this he assured me that the scenes would be aesthetically shot. Later when I saw the outcome I was absolutely convinced that the shot was far from being vulgar.

Lessons Learnt

I have just started out and have a long way to go. As an actor you have to keep learning. The day you say that you have learnt enough, you stop being self-critical. That attitude shouldn't be there. Everyday should be a new lesson for you.

Matinee Idol

I have always admired my mom, yesteryear's actress Sadhana Singh. She has been a great source of inspiration for me. I am also in awe of Shah Rukh Khan and am really keen on working with him. I also look up to Priyanka Chopra and Kareena Kapoor. They conduct themselves very well.

Future Projects

After Tere Sang I am working on a Telegu film. As for Hindi films talks are still on.

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