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The bindaas girl

Photo: S.S. Kumar

BUBBLY Genelia D’souza

Genelia D’Souza may not have ever bunked classes in school, but Fanta’s bubbly new brand ambassador has other reasons for identifying with its ‘Bunk with Genelia’ campaign that concluded recently. “I was a very, very goo d girl,” she says with a laugh, “a very good student. But to me, the line – ‘Fanta ka signal loud, bunking is allowed’— really means not stressing over a situation, over life. And I’m very much that person.”

You tend to believe her, as she sits across from you looking ridiculously young in skinny jeans and a Fanta-orange t-shirt. The actor, who debuted with “Tujhe Meri Kasam” (2003), has, in the last few years, successfully juggled high-profile careers in Tamil and Telugu films with hits such as “Boys” and “Bommarillu” while making intermittent forays into Bollywood with films such as “Masti” (2004). And now, with the success of last year’s “Jaane Tu Ya Jaane Na” opposite Imran Khan, Genelia has officially ‘arrived’ in Mumbai as well.

Which, of course, means more work and more juggling. “There are three Hindi films right now, and one more in the offing — ‘It’s My Life’ (the remake of ‘Bommarillu’ with Harman Baweja), ‘Life Partner’ with Tusshar Kapoor, and David Dhawan’s ‘Hook Ya Crook’ with John Abraham,” she says, ticking them off on her fingers. “Yeah, so three big releases this year!”

“I do intend to continue doing Southern movies, as and when the opportunities come along,” adds the Mumbai-based actor quickly, pre-empting any suggestion that she’s moving away from her bread-and-butter Tamil and Telugu roles now that Bollywood loves her. “I see a lot more responsibility and a lot more travelling in the near future!” And, how does she see herself dealing with all of that? “Oh, I don’t let things get to me,” she says with a shrug and a smile.

Which is why, as Deepak Kaul, region vice-president – South, Hindustan Coca-Cola Beverages, said at the event, the 21-year-old actor is the perfect fit for Fanta’s young and bindaas brand profile. Their lively new ads featuring Genelia are already airing on TV, and the actor says she had a blast shooting them: “It was instant fun; the moment you heard the jingle, you had a smile on your face!”

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