Shilpa Shetty upbeat about ''Metro''

Panaji, Nov 26 (UNI) Bollywood actress Shilpa Shetty says she has never felt so insecure in her professional career before landing up on the sets of Anurag Basu's 'Metro.' ''I play the character of Shikha, aN urban working woman living in a metro city which has varied facets to her personality. She is a working wife, mother, and a lover. She is intelligent and sensible.

Its a poignant love story,'' Shilpa who was here at the 37th IFFI to promote the film along with co-actors Shiney Ahuja, Kangana Ranaut as well and UTV CEO Ronnie Screwvala at a press conference here.

''When Anurag narrated my role to me. I realised that despite being in the industry for 14 years, I have never essayed such a character before. Having such wonderful hugely talented co-stars on the sets, I have never felt so insecure,'' she said.

The actress said she felt she was fortunate to be part of 'Metro' because it was realistic and at the same time a commercial movie.

Replying to a question on how she felt to be the seniormost member of the cast, Shilpa replied that she does not consider the issue of seniority at all. ''Afterall what matters is the character,'' she added.

Kangana Ranaut plays Neha, an emotionally fragile small town girl who has come to the Metro to make it big in life and is ready to take shortcuts to success, the actress said.

Shiney Ahuja said he plays a character who has lived his life in a metro chasing his dreams. While doing so, he has lost every one he loves. When asked whether he likes playing intense roles, the 'Gangster' hero said intensity was a measurement of emotion. ''My character is a person of strong conviction who regrets the situation he has landed up in,''he added.

Both Anurag and Ronnie said 'Metro' was not meant for a niche audience but for all sections of movie-goers as the story dealt with any other city of India in the present times.

'Metro' is slated for a Februrary-March 2007 release.

Refusing to divulge details of the plot of his film, Anurag said,''Konkana Sen Sharma plays a girl in her early 30s who is yet to find a man in her life. So you will find her hooked to matrimonial portals in search of her dream man. Shilpa Shetty and Kay Kay Menon are married for nine years. They have purchased a sea facing flat and are putting in long working hours to repay the loan. They have managed to get a flat but not a home together. These are kinds of stories you will find in every day life in a metro city. There are two guest appearances by major filmstars in the film and you will know about them when you see the film,''he added.

He said apart from Shilpa, Kangana, Shiney, the film stars Irfan Khan, Konkana Sen Sharma and Sharman Joshi. ''It is all about the thrills and shrills of being a metro citizen. From the europhia of a fast paced life to break down of a short lived relationship, Metro has it all.

Music composer Pritam along with members of his rock band will be an integral part of the film, he added.

UNI MR SAM RK1910