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Kajal lands top Bollywood role(Leicester Mercury Via Thomson Dialog NewsEdge)It is a long way from Leicester to the bright lights of Bollywood but one student has made the journey in style. Kajal Sehmi, 23, who lives in the city centre and studies at De Montfort University, found herself in a leading role in a romantic comedy filmed in Britain after being seen in a TV ad. Kajal, who is studying land management, said: "Everyone dreams of becoming an actor at least once in their lives but I never believed it would happen to me. "I had heard a lot of different things - good and bad - about Bollywood but it was a great experience. It gave me a lot of confidence. "I was really nervous and didn't know much about the role but the production team treated me like family. "It was quite a challenge, shooting in all weathers and outside in the cold, but I had a really good time." The film, Aashiq Bechara. meaning "Poor Lover", saw Kajal alongside Devang Patel. She said: "It was brilliant meeting him. We got on really well and were like a romantic couple off screen as well as on. "He really helped me, advised me on each scene and made me feel very comfortable." Kajal has worked as a model in India for Utsav Dholakia, a professional choreographer from Mumbai, and performed at Telecom Tower, in London, in front of Indian dignitaries. She has appeared in a music video and TV adverts and was spotted by producers of the Bollywood film. In Leicester, Kajal has taught children Bollywood dancing and has opened dancing schools in Luton and London. She hopes one day to open an academy for people of all ages and cultures. Starring in the film has opened a lot of doors for the young star, she said. "Whatever comes my way, I'll take it," she said. "Life's so short, I just get on and do things. "There is a big difference between thinking about stuff and doing it. I thought twice about doing the film but eventually thought 'why not'? "A friend who has passed away always wanted to be in a Bollywood film. He never got the chance, I did. I feel very lucky." Friend Radhika Parmar, an events organiser in London, said: "She's an amazing person. It's an honour to have her in the Asian community in Leicester. "We're so proud of her. Bollywood is really hard to get into, but she said 'I can do this' while still finding time for her family and her religion." |