She is an extremely popular name and face on Indian television courtesy her portrayal of ‘Kashish’ in TV serial ‘Kahin To Hoga’. Now the extremely pretty and talented Aamna Shariff is all set to make her big Bollywood debut with the romantic comedy Aloo Chaat. In an exclusive interview with us, Aamna speaks about her first film, her first co-star Aftab and her love for all kinds of Chaats.

Aloo Chaat is your debut film in Bollywood. How do you feel?I feel great. Before I started doing T.V., I was modeling for a couple of years. I did a few ads and music videos and always wanted to start off with a film. But one fine day I was offered a T.V. show, ‘Kahin To Hoga’, the script of which was so good that I simply couldn’t refuse it. Today I am proud that I started with television and finally here I am doing something which I always wanted to do. So it’s a dream come true for me.How did you bag the film and what made you say yes?Post ‘Kahin To Hoga’, I took a break for a year and a half and heard a lot of scripts. I actually wanted to debut with an out and out romantic film but when I heard the script of Aloo Chaat it was such a wonderful script with clean humour that I didn’t think twice. I am glad that I took it up as my first film
The film seems like a romantic comedy. Can you elaborate?Yes Aloo Chaat is a light hearted romantic comedy. It’s a very sweet film with some really chatpata characters.

What’s your role in the film?My character’s name is Aamna in the film. She is a Muslim girl who is born and raised in the US. Though she has been in US, her values are very much Indian which is why when she first comes to India, she is seen mostly in Indian attire. She is a sweet, fun loving and family oriented girl.

How was it working with Aftab, your first co-star?It has been a wonderful experience. Aftab is not just a very good actor but a very good human being. Initially I was a bit nervous as Aftab is very good at comedy and I needed to match his timing but he really made me comfortable and we really hit off. We even share the same Sun-Sign. I am happy that people are liking our chemistry

The film also has Linda Arsenio, so are you two girls vying for Aftab’s attention? Is it a love triangle?I wouldn’t like to say much about that. You need to watch it for yourself (laughs). As for Linda, all I can say is that she is a complete pleasure to work with.

How was it working with director Robby Grewal?It was great. Robby is new age, young and is very clear with what he wants. He is the kind of director who gives you complete freedom as an actor.

The first thing that comes to one’s mind when we say Aloo Chaat is the yummy chaats so are you a chaat person?I am a complete chaat person. I love all kinds of chaats. In fact, my mom keeps telling me to go easy on chaats (laughs) but I enjoy them nevertheless and then work out a little more. My all time favorite chaat is Pani Puri.

Coming back to your career, now that you have made your debut in Bollywood, is it good-bye to T.V.?I would never say goodbye to television. That is so harsh. Whatever I am today is because of T.V. so I would never make such a statement. All I would say is I like to concentrate on one thing at a time and right now I am focusing on doing films.

How similar or different is it shooting for a T.V. serial and working in a Bollywood film?The big difference is that when you are doing T.V. show, you don’t know where to take your character graph and which track the serial will be heading in. In films, you have the script ready with you and know where to take the character.

Your good-friend Rajeev Khandelwal made a super debut last year with Aamir. Did you get to see the film?Of course I saw the film. It’s a lovely film and Rajeev is brilliant. You need a lot of guts to take such a film for your debut and he really lived up to all expectations.

What kind of roles are you looking at doing now?I don’t want to have any particular mindset. I would like to do every role that is challenging rather than go with easy characters. At the same time, I would love to do a hard core romantic role and even do a role without make-up
Any dream actors and directors you would wish to work with…I am just starting out. I would obviously like to work with all the great directors and actors. I have always admired the way Aamir Khan has worked so I would like to work with him.

What are your future projects?I have signed a film but can’t talk much about it. Right now I am just waiting for the audience reactions to Aloo Chaat.

Finally give us 3 good reasons to watch Aloo Chaat?It’s a very well directed film, has some brilliant characters and is a really sweet, clean, funny film.