Bhumika Chawla reminds you of yesteryear angel-face Bhagyashree at first glance. Her quiet beauty and unassuming ways only reinforce that impression. Chawla is looking forward to the release of her latest film Dil Ne Jise Apna Kaha with co-stars Salman Khan and Priety Zinta.



Bhumika candidly informs you that Dil Ne Jise Apna Kaha is a normal love story. She plays the role of Dhani, a simple girl who falls in love with Rishabh (Salman Khan). Dhani is the typical girl you would run into every day and enjoys life to its fullest. Chawla says the character resembles her in many ways. The story has been shot in a realistic manner and that would play an important role in the success of the film. This is a love story that can happen in real life too, she says. Why the name Dhani? Blame it on director Atul Agnihotri. He chose the name since it the last sur of sargam. A very musical name for the character indeed.



Chawla is taking great care not to go the usual glamour route well trod by almost all actresses today. She believes that it is not important to shed clothes to sizzle on screen. She plans to stay in the industry for a long time and by choosing her roles sensibly, she hopes to do just that.



Salman Khan must be the most misunderstood actor by Indian movie fans. The press projects him as an irresponsible villain but ask all his heroines and they say they love working with him. Bhumika agrees. He is a great friend and took the trouble to put her, a newcomer, at ease. This is Bhumika's second film with Salman her first being Tere Naam. Who knows, the Salman - Bhumika pair could create greater waves than the Salman - Bhagyashree pair in Maine Pyar Kiya. She also enthuses that it was great working with Preity Zinta too.



Bhumika is one of those lucky actresses who is also able to maintain a perfect balance between the 'South' and the 'North'. She says that she will always be interested in acting in films down South. Though the way of making films in the North and South differ drastically as do the work cultures, Bhumika has managed to strike a balance and has close friends among the Southern film fraternity. She is in no hurry to sign films and has in her pocket only Benaam, which co-stars Ajay Devgan and directed by Aneez Bazmee.

With her simplicity and fresh face, Bhumika is confident that she will be able to carve a niche for herself in filmdom.