Neetu Chandra

Panaji, Dec. 2 (PTI): Bihar-born Bollywood actress Neetu Chandra, who has featured in quite a few Hindi movies since her debut in 2005, is already a producer.

She looks to break stereotypes in Bhojpuri cinema with her debut production venture, Deswa.

The actress said the film, which will draw people’s attention to migration issues, is going to project her state in a good light.

The film will hit the big screen on February 4. However, the film will have a curtain raiser today for the delegates at the International Film Festival in Goa before the festival comes to an end in Panaji.

Neetu told PTI: “For the first time, Bihar will be seen in good light through this film. Whatever has been said about Bihar is what has been heard of and not seen. I want people to look at the state with their eyes and not their ears.”

Neetu, who has her roots in Patna, is producing her maiden film under the banner of Champaran Talkies and is being directed by her brother Nitin Chandra.

The film features theatre actors from Bihar and focuses on migration.

“The movie revolves around three youths and their struggle in life considering the trend of migration. What will happen to Bihar when the residents would migrate to other states in search of opportunities?” Neetu said.

Neetu is critical of Bhojpuri cinema and said that they do not appeal to her. She said: “I am not saying Bhojpuri films are vulgar. But I do not find them appealing. At a certain level, I cannot watch a Bhojpuri movie with my family.”

Neetu also has a guest appearance in the film and went on to say Deswa is not a hardcore Bihari film. “It is a story which children can watch with the whole family together.”

Neetu has played prominent roles in various Hindi films, including Madhur Bhandarkar’s Traffic Signal.