Men's Asia Cup win not result of 'Chak De India'

Mumbai, Sep 13 (UNI) Shilpa Shukla, who played the role of staunch rebel Bindiya Naik in ''Chak De India'', said though the film's message of ''kuch kariye'' garnered enthusiasm for the game, the real ambassador of the sport was the Men's Hockey Team which won the Asia Cup on Sunday.

''The tremendous success of ''Chak De India'' has directed people's attention to women's hockey, but we cannot take credit for the Men's Hockey Asia Cup win,'' Shukla said in a chat with UNI.

''The male players of the Indian Hockey team played very well in the Asia Cup, leading to their win''.

Basking in the success of ''Chak De India'', Shukla said, ''It was a rare experience working with Shah Rukh Khan. He is very approachable. We imbibed a lot from him.

''This film has taught us so many things like speaking our lines, the beauty of acting and romancing the camera. This was the best way to launch and showcase our talent,'' she added.

Shukla recalled how the cast members had to train for months to learn the game.

She was thankful to film director Shimit Amin for giving her the role of Bindya. ''He is a genius. He has a technical and intelligent mind. Post ''Chak De'', the euphoria and mass adulation have been amazing. I get intelligent feedback from the fraternity. People ask me how easily I essayed the role of Bindya''.

Shukla, who hails from Bihar, did her Sociology Honours from Delhi. Not new to acting, she did cameo roles in ''Khamosh Pani'', ''Chosen'' and has bagged a role in ''Junction''.

''I cannot talk much about my role in ''Junction'', but it is not a repetition of Bindiya Naik'' she said.

UNI