Bollywood calling for Genelia

Sans godfather, sans the conventional pretty face, but with a freshness and charm that's unmistakable. Juhi brought it to the screen in the 80s and Kajol and Preity Zinta in the 90s. Genelia D'Souza is the new kid, nay the lady, on the Bolly block.
Playing the lead in an Aamir Khan production, opposite his nephew Imran Khan, and having impressed with Mere Baap Pehle Aap, the actress who found success down South is now making waves in Bollywood. With a slew of hits in Tamil and Telugu, just when Genelia looked set for a long innings down South, destiny transported her to the brink of Bombay dreams...
Bollywood calling
As the much-awaited Imran-Genelia starrer gets ready to hit the screens, Genelia looks ready for the limelight. "It's a fun film and we’ve all had a smashing time working on it. For now I am keeping fingers crossed and hoping for the best," says Genelia. Armed with an expressive pair of dark eyes and a smile that could light up a room, Genelia has been the quintessential girl-next door, a tag that seems only too apt for her. But we wonder if she entertains any thoughts of branching out of that mould on the big stage of Bollywood. "Honestly, I am not in any hurry to do anything different just for the sake of it. Each character has different shades to it and as long as the role excites me in some way, I will take it up," she replies. It sure helps to keep things short and simple, doesn't it?
Genelia has a lot to look forward to. She is presently shooting for It's My Life opposite Bollywood's latest poster boy, Harman Baweja. The film is being directed by Aneez Bazme. Besides she's also signed up for another multi-starrer titled Life Partner with Govinda and Fardeen.
Destiny's child
They say destiny is more a matter of choice than chance, but it seems to be a bit of both with Genelia. Born in England, she moved to Mumbai dreaming of becoming an actress and it’s been a roller coaster ride so far. After a successful modelling stint, she made her debut in director Sankar's trendsetting teen flick Boys, which was a big success in both Hindi and down South. She starred in another Hindi film Tujhe Meri Kasam, which didn't stir the BO. With the South baiting her with many lucrative offers, the move down South was inevitable. "I think I am God's favourite child. In an industry where women would be lucky to get a couple of films, I have got the opportunity to work in some great ones. There have been many ups and downs, but it's been one awesome experience so far," says an excited Genelia.
Already famous!
While down South, most find her freshness akin to PZ, Aamir Khan went on record saying she reminded him of Juhi Chawla! It just goes to show that she makes an impression. She's the charming girl who rushed to Amitabh Bachchan for his autograph in the famous pen commercial. With so much happening, it's most important to have your wits about you and Genelia certainly looks up for it. "It just feels great to have people scream your name in a crowd. I am an actor while I'm on the sets. But, I have a life beside films and it keeps me grounded," she concludes.