Never thought I was rising up or falling down: Dhoni's reel sis Bhumika Chawla

Bhumika Chawla burst onto the Bollywood scene with her debut in Tere Naam, alongside Salman Khan. Expected to have a smooth sailing career graph post the movie, Bhumika went through a rough patch, with a series of flops. Her last outing was back in 2007, with Gandhi, My Father. Now, the actress is back to Bollywood with M.S. Dhoni: The Untold Story, where she plays Dhoni’s sister.

You’ve done a Hindi film after nine years. What took you so long?
I’m working down South in Tamil, Telugu, and Malayalam industries. The Hindi films I was offered didn’t materialise, and they were films that didn’t excite me.

Family was your most commercially viable film in those times, but that failed too.
Even after Family, I had so many projects in the South I was working on. It wasn’t like that, since I signed these projects much before I did Family. I think I didn’t get anything exciting post Gandhi, My Father.

Do you think you’d have remained in Bollywood had your films worked?
Definitely. If you have a blockbuster each Friday, then why not? (Laughs) If I’m doing well today, there are 20 projects in line behind me. Sometimes your films don’t do well, despite having a big star cast, renowned directors and producers. In a short span of time, I worked with Amitabh Bachchan, Salman Khan and Akshay Kumar. I was blessed.

What brought you back to Bollywood?
I got a call from casting director, Vicky Sidana. It’s good to imagine that of 20 years later, kids want to know about the life of Dhoni, they will watch this movie. I’m part of it as his sister, who is a strong support system to Dhoni. Working with Neeraj sir (Pandey, director) was a double bonanza.

Is Bollywood more challenging than the South industries?
Every industry has its own charms and specialities. But, at the moment, Bollywood has been experimenting a lot more with its movies.

Do you believe Bollywood has more scope for women-centric films, compared to the South?
I feel so. Look at Vidya Balan. She’s done The Dirty Picture, Kahaani and more such good films. I think Bollywood is experimenting like never before.

How were things for you back when you saw success and then a quick downfall?
I never thought I was rising up or falling down. I never vent out my feelings to anyone. I was okay with my life and enjoying it. Coming from an army background, and getting to work with the likes of Salman Khan was great!