Musskan Sethi, model-actor who made her debut with a Telugu film, is gearing up for Bollywood releases this year. Shalini Saksena speaks with her about challenges

You are from Delhi but your debut film was in Telugu. How did that happen?

Yes, I am from Delhi but debut film was in Telugu because I gave my audition for Telugu director Puri Jagannath who is a star maker. He has launched some great faces like Asin, Disha Patani, Ileana. I learnt my lines and the director was impressed with it. I chose Telugu because films in the South are on a large scale therefore, I wanted to be part of the industry. My debut was with NTRs son Balakrishna and I couldn’t have asked for a better launch.

You studied interior designing but didn’t pursue a career in it. Why?

I didn’t pursue a career in interior designing because I felt that these my years to explore to what I really wanted to do and pursue my passion. I also didn’t enjoy the course. So I did a diploma instead of an undergraduate programme. I moved to Mumbai and tried to work in an industry that I always dreamt to be in. I am happy that today, I am able to do this.

What are the challenges of working in Bollywood?

There are several. First, is safety. Second, to make the right decisions. Three, people look at you differently. But if have family support and are able to carry yourself with poise and grace, you can over come these challenges.

Do you have a check list when you choose your projects?

Yes, I do have a check list. I look at the script and see whether it has a good story. I see who the director is, he has to be good since he is the captain of the ship. Then there is the production house. This is because ultimately it is their decision on which film goes on the floor and makes it to the theatres.

What is the difference among working in Punjabi, Telugu and Hindi films?

There is not much difference. The ultimate aim is to making good films. However, the dialect is different and so is the culture. South is more conservative and so is Punjabi cinema as compared to Bollywood which is all about glamour. At the end of the day, the focus is on the story and what one is trying to tell and each industry tries to tell it in the best possible manner.

What is the toughest lesson that the industry has taught you till date?

I think I learn a lesson everyday. One makes mistakes and take them in one’s stride. There is no point in thinking about what could be when they don’t pan out the way you want them to be. One has to move forward and think about what comes next. So, the lesson is to never look back.