Exclusive: Omar Lulu is a director who knows the pulse of the youth, says Neha Saxena

Making her debut with Mammootty starrer 'Kasaba,' then collaborating with Mohanlal for her next and now signing up with the sensational film-maker Omar Lulu for 'Dhamaka,' actress Neha Saxena's journey in M-Town is nothing less than a fairy tale. The tall and gorgeous diva, Neha Saxena has absolutely nothing that counts an ennui in her entire career graph till date. Neha who is all set to collaborate with Omar Lulu, for her next, talks exclusively with us about her character

Lissie

for the upcoming movie 'Dhamaka.'
With just three films to his credit, Omar Lulu has become one of the most sensational filmmakers currently in the industry. What was your reaction when the director expressed his interest in making you a part of his film?

"When Omar Ikka approached me and said Neha we are doing this project together, I said just said a word Okay," exclaims Neha Saxena, who is all thrilled for being a part of Omar Lulu's next, 'Dhamaka.' Neha sounded as a peppy woman while she was talking about playing Lissie in the movie, which will go on floor by 18th of this month (August). “I knew Omar Ikka earlier, as we had met a year ago, for discussing a project when my movie ‘Sakhavinte Priya Sakhi’ got released. However, the movie didn’t turn up and he said that he will be back with a youth-oriented topic. I feel like he is a person who knows the pulse of young people,” Neha added revealing her hopes for the upcoming project.

Tell us about your character Lissie and also her part in the storyline.

Neha will be seen essaying Lissie, who is the sister of Nikki Galrani's character. "I will be playing a positive individual, who is a very inspiring and motivating factor for Nikki's character," said Neha introducing her character. Actor Nikki Galrani is playing the female lead opposite actor Arun Kumar in the film.

Neha Saxena and Nikki Galrani are playing sisters who are of the same age. Even though Neha plays the sister, she is not just a mere supporting cast but holds a pivotal role throughout the film. Neha stays as constant support for Nikki’s character, helping her overcome the hardships and trouble she meets.

In your previous film, 'Sakhavinte Priya Sakhi,' you have been essaying a mature character and now you have been roped into a character who seems to be much younger than that. What all preparations have you done to clan Lissie?

"The first question Omar Ikka asked when we met was, 'Neha, what's your age.' I said 28, and what he said back made me think. I am just 28 and I am doing roles which are way more mature than my age," Neha said with a sigh. "I did what the character demanded," Neha added who has no regrets playing a mature role in 'Sakhavinte Priya Sakhi.' But the actor confessed that she has been getting offers that were either bold or mature than her age. She was awaiting a good opportunity and hence decide to take a few months break. When Omar approached Neha for ‘Dhamaka’ she expressed her concern, that she had gained a lot of weight for 'Sakhavinte Priya Sakhi,’ but hopefully, she had time to transform herself into Lissie.

Neha Saxena is an artist who is highly unfeigned when it comes to working. So going from 86 kilos to 60 wasn’t a trouble for her. With heavy workout regimes and perfect diet plans, Neha has shed 26 kilos in 2 months! “I wanted to tone me up naturally and healthily, so I followed the nutritious way as suggested by my trainer to transform myself,” Neha said with aplomb.
The movie is going on floors by 18th of this month. What are your expectations on working with Omar Lulu, especially as the movie is touted to be a colourful entertainer?
“He is a trendsetter. Omar Ikka knows the pulse of the youth and hence has clarity on what they expect,” says Neha Saxena who has higher hopes for the movie. Neha also added that the director, Omar Lulu is planning to deliver the movie in a ‘Bollywood style’ as he wants to give the audience movies that has good quality. “The movie will be shot in a Bollywood style. We will talk in Malayalam, we will shoot in Malayalam, we will do everything in Malayalam. But when the audience would watch it, they would sense the quality of Bollywood films,” Neha clarified.

With about a couple of weeks left for the movie to go on floors, the ‘Kasaba girl’ Neha Saxena seems to be determined and confident like a vixen to show off her acting skills and flaunt Lissie.