Just a few months back, first-time director Priya Belliappa announced that she was on a look out for a fresh face for her directorial debut Ring Road Shubha. The movie, inspired by the murder of a software engineer by his girlfriend, that took place on the Ring Road in 2003, has finally found its leading heroine, after a gruelling audition session.
The director along with her team did a state-wide search for the leading lady and finally she found her in Altamash, a model from Mumbai. "It was very difficult as there were so many good talented girls vying for the role but Altamash had that something extra that we felt would fit the character," adds Priya.
The actress, however, is over the moon having bagged a role like this. Having always wanting to be an actress, Altamash was waiting for a good launch pad. "One of my friends was applying for the auditions and I too casually sent my pictures when I was shortlisted. Then there were gruelling sessions of auditions and I couldn't believe that I finally bagged the role," says Altamash, who has been rechristened Khushi. "The makers of the film thought that Khushi would be a good name to introduce me in the industry as my real name was too long and difficult for people to connect with," she adds.
The movie has also become the talk of the town as the entire group working behind the film are women technicians. "When I came to this industry, I saw that it was largely a male-dominated one and wanted to bring in a change. Which is why Ihave roped in all my girlfriends from the Pune Film Institute to work with me. And that's how we are here," says Priya.
And Altamash aka Khushi, says that the fact that it's an all-woman team, makes the filming experience all the more comfortable. "Ihave met with the team and even the script is really gripping. I am sure this will be a team to watch out for," she assures.
Soon, the team will begin with an extensive 20-day workshop with the actress. The workshops include acting classes, dialogue delivery lessons, language training, tone-up and dance classes.
"I will then have workshops with all the actors in the film and make sure that we are as prepared when we go on the floors by the end of February," sums up Priya.
The director along with her team did a state-wide search for the leading lady and finally she found her in Altamash, a model from Mumbai. "It was very difficult as there were so many good talented girls vying for the role but Altamash had that something extra that we felt would fit the character," adds Priya.
The actress, however, is over the moon having bagged a role like this. Having always wanting to be an actress, Altamash was waiting for a good launch pad. "One of my friends was applying for the auditions and I too casually sent my pictures when I was shortlisted. Then there were gruelling sessions of auditions and I couldn't believe that I finally bagged the role," says Altamash, who has been rechristened Khushi. "The makers of the film thought that Khushi would be a good name to introduce me in the industry as my real name was too long and difficult for people to connect with," she adds.
The movie has also become the talk of the town as the entire group working behind the film are women technicians. "When I came to this industry, I saw that it was largely a male-dominated one and wanted to bring in a change. Which is why Ihave roped in all my girlfriends from the Pune Film Institute to work with me. And that's how we are here," says Priya.
And Altamash aka Khushi, says that the fact that it's an all-woman team, makes the filming experience all the more comfortable. "Ihave met with the team and even the script is really gripping. I am sure this will be a team to watch out for," she assures.
Soon, the team will begin with an extensive 20-day workshop with the actress. The workshops include acting classes, dialogue delivery lessons, language training, tone-up and dance classes.
"I will then have workshops with all the actors in the film and make sure that we are as prepared when we go on the floors by the end of February," sums up Priya.