When you are born in a family of actors, you are expected to become an actress eventually. The same happened with Soha Ali Khan, despite her trying very hard not to step into Bollywood.
With yesteryear's beauty queen Sharmila Tagore as mother and superstar Saif Ali Khan as brother, one would hardly expect Soha to take up any other profession, but she insists that she was initially reluctant to become an actress.
"Taking up acting was never my aim and I have tried very hard not to be an actor. I took up other professions like banking, but then there was a wish to become a part of the entertainment industry somehow," Soha told PTI.
And it was this wish which she could not escape and it led her to the sets of 'Dil Maange More', the film she made her Bollywood debut with.
She is a prominent face in the film industry now, with 'Rang De Basanti' and 'Mumbai Meri Jaan' in her kitty. Soha has carved a niche for herself with off-beat films like 'Khoya Khoya Chand' and 'Dil Kabaddi' instead of going the full-blown 'masala movie' way.
"I like to keep it varied and work in every genre as my aim is to perform. Many a times you do not get a chance to perform in glamourous films. I would like to be part of those films where I can prove myself as an actress," said Soha.
Soha, whose last Bollywood release was 'Tum Mile' with Emraan Hashmi, is happy that she does not have to compete with her mother or brother in acting since both of them are successful in their respective spheres. But she does seek their appreciation at times.
"I don't turn to my family members for advice. But when my film is released I want amma (Sharmila) to watch it because her female perspective comes handy.
"When I am signing a film with an unknown party, I might ask bhai (Saif) for his opinion. He is more experienced and will know whether the script will turn out to be a good film. But ultimately its my choice since its me who has to play the role," said Soha.
The actress is a proud daughter and admires her mother's achievements as an actress, but she makes it clear that she is not trying to ape Sharmila in any way.
"I don't want to imitate any actress, even my mother. I admire her for her body of work in every genre, be it acting in Satyajit Ray's films or working with Denzel Washington. She is an icon for me," said Soha.
She is all praises for the way in which Sharmila has struck a balance between work and family and carried out both successfully.
"People say that you have to leave work after marriage, but my mother is still working. This year itself she has done three films. It is very difficult to become a successful actress, wife and mother, but she has done it all," said Soha.
The 31-year-old actress is quick to hush you up once you mention her age, saying, "Shh, you are not supposed to tell anyone! I am actually 16, eternally. I feel that I am small, petite and look young so my age does not matter."
The actress is currently shooting a Sudhir Mishra film 'Tera Kya Hoga Johnny' with Shiney Ahuja and has an English film named 'Life Goes On' up her sleeves. PTI
