Tollywood actress Urmila Sanyal has been working in both films and modelling. The Kolkata Mail correspondent Priyanka Dutta caught up with the Bengali actress at Coffee World, South City Mall to know more about her journey in films and fashion industry. Excerpts…

How did you begin your journey in the world of films?

Urmila Sanyal- Well my journey began at a very young age when I was in class nine. I auditioned and did a screen test for a film of director Sujit Guha and I was cast opposite late Bollywood actor Inder Kumar. This was a huge break for me. But after the release of this film, my father got angry as I had begun my journey in films without completing my graduation. So I took a break and completed my graduation.

Then I again came back into films. I did Pagla Ghonta and then I did Hera Pheri. After that I have been doing films and modelling simultaneously.

So what is keeping you busy these days?

Urmila Sanyal- I am now busy with fashion shoots with some national level magazines. I am the cover girl of these reputed magazines. So this is keeping me very busy.

Many Bengali actresses are now acting in different Indian languages. Do you have any such plans?

Urmila Sanyal- Well, I did get a chance to act in a South Indian film. But the language was problematic for me. I was a little bit scared and I opted out of the film. I don’t know what I will do in the future if I am offered any more such roles.

You are the cover girl for some reputed national magazines. Has this increased your chances of getting a break in Bollywood films? Will you like to work in Bollywood?

Urmila Sanyal- Well, that will be a huge opportunity for me!! But getting a chance in Bollywood also depends on your luck too. If I am lucky enough to get a break due to these modelling assignments that I am doing, I will definitely want to shift base to Mumbai and try my luck in the Bollywood film industry.

Do you have any plans of working in a mega serial?

Urmila Sanyal- Many of my colleagues work in mega-serials. But they have to work for long hours and they don’t get time for themselves. I don’t want that. I cannot work for such a long time in mega-serials and not get time to do some other work.

What about working in web-series? That is quite the in-trend thing…

Urmila Sanyal- Well, talks were on about working in a web-series but the script had some intimate scenes. I was not comfortable to do those scenes and hence I opted out of the web-series.

Nepotism is a burning issue. Do you think that despite having the talent, you have been denied a role due to nepotism?

Urmila Sanyal- No comments!!

You feed stray dogs. How did you develop this habit?

Urmila Sanyal- I have always been an animal lover. My mother used to feed them and I have grown up watching that. Such has been the impact that now I feed many stray dogs. Whenever I see a dog on the street, I now get down from my car and feed them. I have a few stray dogs in my home too. They have just turned a year old. I feed them with Pedigree dog food.

Do you get any donations from anyone or any organization for such a noble thing that you do?

Urmila Sanyal- No, I do this on my own with ample help from my parents.

So what is next in line for you?

Urmila Sanyal- Talks are on about a few films and photoshoot for fashion magazines will again resume after the festive season is over.

We wish Urmila all the best for her career and may she continue to show such kindness towards animals!!