Dance helps me unwind: Masumeh

She blazed a trail in Bollywood with a nomination for best female breakthrough artiste in her very first film Maqbool. And, ever since, the spotlight has been on her.

But, for the moment, she is excited about her new film which is based on ten different stories bound by a common thread. “The role that I play in this film is quite an out-of-personality role for me. It is very unlike me and that’s the exciting part,” says Masumeh, explaining how she is really looking forward to it.

Of an epic magnitude, the film boasts of an ensemble cast. So, what’s Masumeh’s take on it? “An ensemble cast is fine as long as each character is justified, and everybody is compatible with each other. It’s important that each actor contributes towards the betterment of the film,” emphasises Masumeh. Besides that, she is also starring in Sanjay Gupta’s film Alibaug .

Of the films she has done so far, which is the closest to her heart? “It has to be Chupke Se , for two reasons: one, it was my first film and, two, my sister Shauna directed it. Otherwise, I like Maqbool the most,” acknowledges Masumeh.

Masumeh’s tryst with cinema began with a German project Tor Zum Himmel (2003) directed by Veit Helmer, before she made her mark in the Hindi film industry. So, how does she describe Bollywood? Says she, “It’s a place that has its own highs and lows. Some of the highs outweigh the lows and vice versa. It is a different roller-coaster ride altogether.”

Masumeh, who has honed her acting skills in theatre, is a professional ballet dancer and well-versed in Bharatnatyam and Kathak as well. What does she do when she is not shooting? “I don’t know anymore!” she giggles. Then, talking seriously, she says, “I am trained in kickboxing and Muay Thai — a form of martial art. I practise those along with dance.” Masumeh goes on to explain how martial arts and dance are an integral part of her life. “That’s my soul, my way to unwind and relax,” she adds.

The pretty actor is nostalgic as she talks about Pune, the city where she completed her higher studies. “I studied in Wadia College and later in Pune University. I love coming back to Pune. It is my city and I have numerous childhood memories associated with it,” she reminisces fondly.

Source: timesofindia.indiatimes.com