Small screen Sita to play Sania Mirza

Debina Bonnerjee who portrayed the immortal character of Sita with aplomb is all set to play Sania Mirza on silver screen. She speaks to Hindustan Times.com on how she bagged the role and more.

It was not long ago that Debina Bonnerjee a wannabe Kolkata model stepped into Sita's immortal character with aplomb in Imagine TV's offering Ramayan and won many hearts.

The actress who immediately after wrapping up the mythological show, jumped onto the reality bandwagon with Pati, Patni Aur Woh, surprised us with her bold personality on small screen. What more? Expect her to get bolder, as she bags her maiden Bollywood project Hyderabadi Damaad, in which she plays none other than tennis sensation Sania Mirza. A huge leap indeed!

So when Hindustan Times.com managed to catch her over phone, a visibly excited Debina was in no mood to mince any words and was at her talkative best. She divulges details of how she bagged the role, why she said 'No' to the project initially and some unknown tidbits about her.

About her debut Bollywood venture
It would be a romantic film. It only touches upon the personal life of Sania and not professional. My character is based on Sania Mirza. I personally would not mimic her and would like to explore the character myself. As far as the movie is concerned some cinematic liberty can be expected. I'm completely a director's actress.

On why she said 'No' to Sania
When the role was offered to me initially, I politely declined it. But the filmmakers were so sure of casting me in the role that they called me up again and again and finally I gave in. But now I am happy that I'm playing a character of my time and my age.

On why she was selected
I had put on a lot of weight and I took up a lot of activities to cut he flab that included horseriding, kickboxing etc. I was constantly doing some activity or the other; so in people's eyes I was quite sporty. Probably this image helped me bag the role of Sania Mirza.

So who's Shoaib?
I can't reveal this. But Amar Upadhyay and Ali Merchant are the other actors who would feature in the movie.

Destiny's child
A lot of television projects were pouring in, when this movie was offered to me. I was not prepared for it. It's strange that life comes up with opportunities when you are least prepared for them.

Nostalgic about Sita
Sita remains my favourite role. I constantly feel nostalgic about the character. It's always a special feeling when you play a historical character.

Horseriding at midnight!
I'm very passionate about riding horses. There are around 25 horses in Mumbai and I know them by their name. I recognise them by their face. You can catch me riding them anytime in the day, even in midnight. I'm a trained Kathak dancer also.

Walking down the aisle
Debina is very positive about tying the knot with his reel and real life 'Ram' Gurmeet very soon. "I would be getting married either towards the end of this year or early next year."