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Will Preeti go places?

Preeti Jhangiani hopes to make a new beginning with "Chand Ke Paar Chalo"

GETTING A BREAK Preeti Jhangiani gets an important role in "Chand Ke Paar Chalo"

If she thinks public memory is short, she is mistaken. She tried to sell Chand Ke Paar Chalo as her debut film. When she was reminded about Ssukh, Govinda's maiden family venture in production, in which he also acted opposite her, (the film was released in September in 2005), she quipped, "Oh, yeah! Chand Ke Paar Chalo is my second film as a solo heroine!" And smiled.

But remembering her debut in Mohabbattein where she came through as a classic beauty, winning many hearts, one feels like ignoring the slip. However, she could not capitalise on that beauty in any of her subsequent films.

Inherent talent

Director Mustafa Engineer, a newcomer himself, says, "So far, she has mostly done steamy scenes, but in Chand Ke Paar Chalo, I have tried to bring out her inherent talent."

And Preeti agrees, "This film offers scope for a varied play of emotions. Besides, it has provided me with an opportunity to showcase my dancing skills. This is my first author-backed role." In the film, Preeti plays a street dancer from Naini Tal. She gets lured by a photographer, who promises her a chance to act in films. How she enters the industry, becomes a big name, and how her attitude changes is what the film is all about.

"Tired of multi-starrers", Preeti is now keen on solo roles. And she doesn't mind working with new talent.

New comers cooperative

"New-comers have no airs. They are more cooperative. They come on time and are always ready to experiment unlike big stars who throw their weight around," says Preeti.

About Chahat, where she exposed a lot of skin, she says in defence,

"It wasn't my fault. I signed a good film, good story with a good director. But the producer decided to promote the film with different promos and posters. Those scenes, in the film, lasted barely a few seconds. He tried to attract the wrong crowd that way. It hurt me a lot."

As she couldn't make it big in Hindi films, she went to the South where she is now a recognised face.

"I had to learn Tamil to make my presence felt. The roles I was getting in Hindi films were not worth accepting. I still have no options," laments the actress. She is teaming with Saahib, a newcomer and her hero in Chand Ke Paar Chalo again in Mustafa's second film, Pyar Bhi Inkaar Bhi, which is ready to go on the floor.

RANA SIDDIQUI

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