Could you tell us something about your background?
I was born and brought up in China. My parents and my sister are all working there. After graduating in English, I’ve been working in the administrative section in a firm in Dubai, for the past three and a half years. (Unemployment is rampant in China and it’s common to find educated youths leaving abroad in search of jobs.) In fact I have taken permission from my boss to work in this film.
And how did the offer come to you?
That’s an interesting story. Even in my wildest dreams I never thought that I would be an actor. But it’s fate and luck that has brought me here. Director Lal Jose had come to Dubai to scout around for a Chinese girl for his film. The story is about an Indian immigrant trying to make a living in Dubai, and a Chinese girl with whom he strikes a friendship. A major part of the film was to be shot in Dubai. Jose had approached my firm to help him select a suitable girl. Since I knew English, I acted as their interpreter. But Jose was not satisfied with the candidates. Then, to my surprise, he offered me the role. He had been observing me as I explained the scenes to the girls and he had liked my attitude. When I told my parents, they were at first hesitant, but I managed to convince them.
Facing the camera must have been a new experience for you.
It was. I was both apprehensive and excited. I had no training nor any experience in the theatre. But slowly, with the help of the director and my co-stars Sreenivasan and Jaisurya, who were all so encouraging, I was able to overcome my fears. I got the feel of it, and once I became comfortable in front of the camera, I started enjoying my work.
What is the character you play?
My character goes by my real name Shumin. I play a girl from China working in Dubai. She needs to earn enough money for the treatment of her sick boyfriend back in China. She meets an Indian immigrant who becomes the supportive factor in her life. I speak Chinese and English in the film. I’ve got a song too. A dream-song with Sreenivasan. Indian films have such song situations I’m told, and I really enjoyed doing it.
And how did you like Kerala and Chennai?
I’ve visited Chennai just for a couple of days. It has some good shopping malls. I’ve shot in Kerala at some locations in Palghat, and been to other places too. Kerala is beautiful. No wonder it’s called God's own country! And it’s not just the place, but the people too are so nice and friendly. They are much nicer than the people in China. I was the only girl in the unit, but they were all so protective, and treated me with a lot of care. I’ve picked up some Malayalam words too. I felt so sad when the shooting got completed. I was crying, as I’d miss all of them.
Did you give a thought to acting in more Indian films?
If I get any good offers I surely will. But I don’t know if there are any roles available for a girl like me to play. Lal Jose told me that I have the potential. He’s advised me to return to China and try in films there. I’m keeping my options open. Let me see what destiny has in store.
