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Girl uninterrupted

She is a newcomer but controversy already seems to be her second name. In a candid chat, Meera Chopra sets the record straight

SPEAKING HER MIND Meera Chopra says she expects transparency in all her relationships

She is sexy, earthy and got what it takes. She is known for her curves, charisma and her controversies. Meera Chopra, better known as Nila in the Tamil film industry, is already into her fourth film. She isn't a star yet, but her performance in the yet-to-be-released films Bangaram and Satyam Shivam Sundaram are already being talked about in the industry. Film pundits predict that she will soon find her place among the top heroines.

After studying Mass Communications in New York, Meera worked with a leading national television channel but gave it up soon because she felt she was given a raw deal.

Then, she moved into Tamil films with Jambavan and is now enjoying her career thoroughly. She says, "Basically, I love to work without stress. Probably this is why I don't let anyone accompany me to the sets. It adds to my responsibility. Industrywallahs feel that Meera is an ice maiden and a complex person.

To that, Meera says, "I'm independent, hardworking and honest and expect transparency from all my relationships". Is that the reason why she landed in a `pond' of problems? "Maybe yes. I suffer from asthma and I had told the director (of a Tamil film) well in advance.

The pond was filled with mud and insects. They wanted me to go underwater, which I didn't expect because I can't hold my breath. They said it would take one shot and it went onto eight. I started throwing up and felt sick.

But they kept pressurising me through producers' council and actors' council to complete the film. But I just left. I issued a statement saying if I would be forced to work, I'd rather leave the film."

Meera is aware that her career in films is transitory and is keen on doing only meaningful films. She wants to leave a mark with at least one film that would be remembered by posterity, like Pakeezah. "I want to get married and have about three kids," she says with resolve.

"I've had enough fun and I've seen a lot in life - money, work, people - so films and glamour don't entice me much. I'm chilled out and happy working in the south because I value my privacy. Above all, I have my priorities right and I'm not insecure," she adds.

She continues, "I can't work non stop. After 10 days of work, I become homesick and rush back to Delhi. Two days later I'm back in action. " When she has some time, Meera loves to shop. "Shopping is a passion. I'm so selfish that sometimes, I don't even shop for others.

If I am not shopping, you'll find me sleeping. Hyderabad is one of the nicest places I've ever been to. It's so cosmopolitan. I prefer the food here to that of Chennai."

Meera insists she is not in a hurry to establish herself as an actress. "Many people are terrified of not working for a while because they think they will be forgotten. But I'd like to take things slowly. Otherwise you lose sense of yourself."

Y. SUNITA CHOWDHARY

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