Bollywood, by Chance Claims firangi beauty Sanda

An extract of an interview with Sanda Caktas by Deepa Mishra

Film‘3 Nights 4 days’ introduces Croatian beauty Sanda Caktas. She gets candid in an interview and talks lock, stock and barrel; about her past, present and also shares her future plans. As of now the 24-year-old scorpion has crossed her fingers for the fate of her first film.

How did you bag this film?

Bollywood happened to me by chance. I was traveling all over the world then, before going back to Croatia I planned a sojourn in India for two months but I end up staying here for two years. I was here to learn yoga and came for a two-month contract with a modeling agency. Then I came across the director of the film, and he picked me up for Marium’s role.

Tell us about the movie?

I play a foreigner in the movie. I have come to India to work as a lifeguard in Goa where I meet a guy from India and fall in love with him. It’s about our marriage. Film conveys that one can fall in love with anybody, anytime. It also gives a picture of changing equation between friends with time. It’s basically about friendship, trust, love and jealousy as well. All of us can identify with the film.

Do you have any experience in acting?

I have done television commercials. I have also done commercials in India for CDEC and Pudin-Hara. My lines were dubbed in them.

How was the experience of working in an Indian film?

Film is partly Hindi, and partly English but all my lines were in English. It’s great experience working with them. Every scene in the film is special for me. We use to spend lot of time together and now we all have become friends. There are five songs and I have also danced along with them on those songs, it was fun. I miss everything about shooting. I also like the fact that Indians are so much into their families. Earlier, I took my family for granted but now I appreciate them. I am very thankful that I am given a chance to be a part of the Industry.

Are you planning a long-term acting career now?

Definitely, but still I have a long way to go. I am learning the language with my Indian friends. I will also be seeking training in Bollywood dancing. I want to be fully prepared before I take up next film, as I don’t want to disappoint anybody. I don’t want to be anyone else. I am what I am; so I am not working on my looks to get the conventional Indian look. All I want is to get versed with the language and my dancing skills. It will be more professional if I learn dancing and in no time I will match the steps while shooting.

Did you feel out of place anytime?

Not at all, they are all really nice people. They always make sure that I am comfortable.

Had you not been an actress?

I was always into medicine, yoga and healing, so probably would have practiced the same.

Have you been watching Hindi movies?

In Croatia they show Bollywood movies on Sunday afternoon. As they have Croatian subtitle below I could understand the film. I have watched most of Aishwarya Rai’s film. I also like John Abraham in ‘Dhoom’. They are so larger than life and its fun to watch with family. I love the music and dance of the film.

What do you have to say Indian audience?

Namastey India, do watch my film.