By Sameer Wadekar, Bollywood Trade News Network

"I wanna do Bollywood now," says the pretty Rachna Shah with a gentle smile. Her latest film THE LAST MONK was screened at the IMAX Adlabs as a part of the 8TH MAMI Film Festival. The film about Swapna Roy, a selfless lady who embarks on a journey to Ladakh to complete her thesis; the journey ultimately paves her the way for self-discovery and enlightenment. Rachna's performance was more than impressive as she embellishes the character with tiniest of the nuances and at the same time keeping it uncannily restrained.

When you watch her excel in THE LAST MONK, one would ask what prompts her to join the commercial arena? "Why not?" she retorts," That's my dream and I wish to step into Bollywood anytime a good opportunity comes knocking on my door! An actor should not be restricted to a certain segment and should be open to challenges that come his or her way. I would like to explore all the possible avenues, that's when you accomplish a creative satisfaction".

But Bollywood rigidly focuses on the stereotypic masala formula, I ask her. "There is no categorization for me at least! I am a very lenient audience myself! I love watching movies! It could be a David Dhawan film, a Karan Johar Film, a Sooraj Barjatya film, even a Dada Kondke film! If the movie is enjoyable and worth it, audience will surely lap it up! Then all those baseless categories become irrelevant. As for me, I have done an item number in MEENAXI. So that says it all. I have got absolutely no reservations," Rachna says straightforwardly!

This talented actress is a big fan of Aamir Khan. "I admire Aamir a lot! His perfectionist attitude and commitment are just exemplary! I have been following his work since QAYAMAT SE QAYAMAT TAK! I loved him in RANG DE BASANTI. The movie was an enriching experience!" she remarks with telling expressions on her face.

Rachna prepared for her role in THE LAST MONK meticulously. Rachna explains, "Well, first of all I had bound script available beforehand. I read it and tried to get the intricacies of the character. And then on my bus ride from Delhi to Leh, 'Swapna Roy' just happened. The exotic landscapes of Ladakh were more instrumental for me. Ladakh is another character in the film". So how comfortable was she doing the intimate scenes in the film? "Well I was prepared for it. Once you know the character you just go and play it leaving aside all the inhibitions. I just did that, that's all!"

Rachna has got a theater background. "Yes, I do theatre and I learn a lot from it!" So does theatre give an edge to actors? "It definitely helps you to sharpen your abilities and grasp the intricacies. (pause) But again, where did Dilip saab or Amitabh Bachchan do theatre, or Shahrukh Khan for that matter! They created their own style and their fans love them for it!" she replies calmly.

We all hope Bollywood wakes up to the potential of this promising actress!