Big films go to star kids: Tia

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Never in her wildest dreams did she think that she would become an actress, but we guess that’s how life is —- unpredictable.

Though singing is her passion, today Tia Bajpai, is striving to get a foot into the Hindi film industry.
Her debut movie Haunted-3D in 2011 was a hit, but Lanka, which was caught in her bold scene controversy with actor Manoj Bajpai sank without a trace.
Tia is back this year with another horror film with actor Aftab Shivdasani entitled 1920: Evil Returns which is a sequel to a 2008 film, 1920. She is currently shooting in Kashmir for Rahat Kazmi’s Identity Card and shares her experiences in the Valley with us.
Talking about the big shift from television to films Tia says, “It wasn’t planned. I was a finalist in Sa Re Ga Ma Challenge 2005 and before I knew it, I was working in a serial for Zee TV. It was quite strange, everyone who met me said I needed to get into acting and before I knew it Vikram Bhatt offered me a role in Haunted. I went with the flow and have not planned anything. At the same time, I am very happy how things have panned out. I don’t have any misconception about myself. I am not the most beautiful face around.”
In a competitive industry, where every newcomer is striving to make it big and wants to be seen in big banners, Tia says she is not stuck on big names. “I am glad to be working. You can call it our good or bad luck but big banner films go to star kids or people who are already established in the industry. I am prepared to work in small budget films with good scripts.”
Talking about her film Identity Card, she says, “My character has lots of layers. I am so lucky to be working with talented co-stars such as Saurabh Shukla, Vipin Sharma and Raghuvir Yadav. Since, I am the only girl here, I am pampered extensively.”
Tia plays a documentary filmmaker and the film which is satirical, Tia says, will touch upon the issue of Kashmiri residents carrying identity cards. “It’s not about terrorism — the film in fact explores how we all have become immune to terrorists, bombings etc. Even locals there no longer react to such happenings. Our country has somewhere accepted this as ‘yeh chalta hai’ attitude.”
When asked which filmmakers inspire her and what’s the latest film she loved, Tia answers, “Anurag Kashyap, Vishal, Onir and Shyam Benegalji are few filmmakers I would love to work with. I loved Gangs of Wasseypur, which is real and not Hollywood inspired film.”
A young girl in the glam world, Tia says she hasn’t changed and her family and friends keep her grounded and in touch with reality. “I am the way I was. I haven’t changed. I am still learning new things everyday, and I don’t want to get swayed. I don’t want to be alone — I want my family and friends close to me — always.”