Punjabi Lass Sufi Gulati Wants To Create A Buzz in Bollywood

Several talented actors and actresses have come to Bollywood from Punjab and created their own individual identities here. Like Juhi Chawla and Divya Dutta who came from Ludhiana, now a beautiful, glamorous, lucky and versatile actress called Sufi Gulati has come from Ludhiana and making her debut with producers Faaiz Anwar and Prem Prakash Gupta’s romantic comedy film Love Ke Funday, which has been directed by Indervesh Yogee, who is making his debut with the film. Sufi had earlier made her debut as an actress with the Punjabi film Munde Kamaal De, which was a super duper hit. Love Ke Funday is slated for release in July this year.

Excerpts from the conversation:

How did you bag your break in films? Besides you, is anyone else in your family connected to films?

It had always been a dream of mine to become a film actress, though I have no relative who is associated with the film industry. In our conservative family no girl even dares to go out of her house. I did my shooting in Punjab. My folks asked me to complete my education first and then try to choose any vocation for myself, as they rightly felt that I would be secure in life only if I am well versed in education. I studied first and secured a degree for myself in fashion designing in Delhi as fashion is very integral to the film industry and then came to Mumbai in search of work.

How did you bag the assignment to act in Love Ke Funday? What exactly is your role in the film?

I met the director of the film when I landed in Mumbai, who in turn introduced me to the producer Faaiz Anwarji who signed me for the film. I play the role of Riya, who is a rich but simple girl who is in charge of her own business empire. Riya is in a live-in relationship with a young boy. The film shows the ups and downs in Riya’s life.

Is there any memorable incident while shooting the film which you want to share with us?

When I gave my dates for the shooting, frankly I did not know whether I would be able to act properly and face the camera. When I told Faaizji that I wasn’t sure whether I could act and was confused, he boosted my morale by telling me that he had ample confidence in my capacity to act and said that I would deliver properly. Faaizji made me understand the nuances of acting by making me go though the workshop. I shot well and was happy.

As the film has three more actors, to what extent do you think you have any scope to act in the film?

My role is emotional and I am confident that my role will touch every one’s heart. Though people will enjoy the comedy, my role will also make an impact in the hearts of the viewers.

Are you also keen on acting in TV serials?

Though right now I am not acting in even a single TV serial, if only the opportunity arises, I would not hesitate to grab any offer to be part of a TV show. Today the times and the trends have changed and if only an actor is good looking as well as talented, he or she can make a living out of working in both films as well as TV.

Do you wish to convey any message to your fans?

We have worked very hard for the film Love Ke Funday which has shaped up well. We need the love of the audiences and I want them to watch the film at least once. If any one does not like my work, then I am sorry.

Okay Sufi. What are your future plans?

I want to make a name for myself in the film industry. I do not want to run after any one or either go ahead of any one or be behind anyone but to have a separate identity of my own and last in the film industry.