Name: Narmmadaa
Pet name and screen name: Tina
Age: 25
Date of birth: July 16, 1989
Zodiac sign: Cancer
Twitter handle: @NarmmadaaAhuja
Trained in: Acting from London Film School
Relationship status: Single

After a couple of false starts — she was supposed to debut opposite Salman Khan in Dabangg and also star in Akshay Kumar’s home production Fugly — Govinda’s daughter Tina Ahuja (earlier known as Narmmadaa) is all set to step into Bollywood with Second Hand Husband, co-starring Punjabi superstar Gippy Grewal, that releases on July 3. A t2 chat.  

Congratulations for the film. How is this debutante feeling?

(Laughs) I like the sound of the word ‘debutante’! It’s a mix of both excitement and nervousness, to be honest. Over the last few weeks, we have been running from city to city for the promotion of our film and that’s actually the best thing… it’s made us meet people and switch off from the terror called 3rd of July, when the film releases! (Laughs)
The most heartening thing is that I have been getting amazing feedback for the trailer. My dad really loved the promo and people are liking the way I am looking in the film. I have even got compliments saying: ‘You are looking like an apple (!)… you are looking so fresh’. My dad also found my acting very natural and ‘effortless’… that’s the exact word he used. People are also saying that the film is looking fun and entertaining.

What made you want to be a part of Second Hand Husband?

Honestly, I always wanted to start my career with a film that’s light-hearted… a film that can be watched with friends and family… girlfriends as well as grandparents. At the same time, it isn’t just a slapstick comedy… it’s a film with a message. 
I thought it was an apt film for me to start off with because I have to do a lot of things in it — act, dance… -— it’s not a typical Bollywood debut.

For many years now, we have been hearing about your ‘first film’. What took you so long to debut?

You know, I have been hearing about these debut rumours from the days I never even thought I wanted to act! (Laughs) When I finally decided to act many years later, I signed a film about a year-and-a-half ago that didn’t work out because of technical reasons. I took a break for five-six months. And then one day, Second Hand Husband happened when a friend of mine in UK showed me Carry on Jatta (a box-office hit starring Gippy Grewal and Mahie Gill) and I really loved the film. I got in touch with Smeep Kang, the director, and when I met him, he said that he was planning on debuting in Bollywood and offered me Second Hand Husband. He also offered me a Punjabi film, but I chose to work on this film. 

There was all this talk about how your dad wanted you to debut with Dabangg, but Salman Khan chose Sonakshi Sinha instead…

(Pauses) I know all these stories came up and people even said that my father was angry with Salman, but believe me, I never had any intention to do Dabangg, or any other film for that matter. My dad and Salman have always had a very good relationship and nothing will come in the way of that… look at the number of films they have done together! Honestly, I am used to all these rumours now… they don’t affect me (smiles). Having said that, I think Dabangg was a fabulous film.

Wasn’t there ever a plan for your dad to launch you in a home production as it happens with most star kids?

I don’t know… I think what I am doing right now is pretty big… there’s Dharmendra in the film, then there is Gippy who is a superstar in Punjabi films. I think this film is as big as any star kid launch… it’s just that the genre is so light-hearted that people are thinking it’s a small film. The environment was very professional because this is a debut film for most of us and we were all very serious about our work. Gippy has a lot of experience. He helped me out whenever he felt I needed help and on set, there was never a moment when you would see me fool around or take things easy... because I have a legacy that I have to take forward and protect, being my father’s daughter (smiles). 
Honestly, my father started out as an outsider and made it so big in Bollywood on his own steam. He never had a godfather and no filmi connections. And that’s what I also want to do till the time I can. I never want to trouble him with: ‘Make a film for me’. If I am talented, I will get films, that’s what I believe. I have learnt from my dad that ‘jo mazaa aata hai apne merit pe kaam karne mein woh aur kuch mein nahin aata’. I know he’s always there for me, but I won’t take advantage of that.  

Have you got any tips from your dad on how to navigate your way through Bollywood?

Oooooh, all the time, all the time! I can actually speak for an hour on the various kinds of advice that he keeps giving me! We can meet up for coffee one day and I will tell you… this will take hours! (Laughs) 

Anything that he’s said that you’ve applied already?

Yes, for sure. Something he’s told me is that whenever I am on set, I give my 100 per cent. He tells me to do my best and leave the rest to god. And that’s how I have approached my debut film… I have tried to do full justice to my role.

What kind of pressure do you feel being Govinda’s daughter?

Oh, there is a lot of pressure! (Laughs) I have such a legacy to take forward… the name and goodwill my dad has made over the years is immense and the pressure is on me to ensure that it isn’t tarnished in any way. I just hope that people give me chances and appreciate my work in the way they have loved and appreciated Papa’s work.... I am quite relaxed because I know at the back of my mind that I have done a good job in my debut film (laughs). 

Growing up, we have all had our favourite Govinda films. Which have been yours?

Oh my god, all of them! (Laughs) But I am partial to films like Deewana Mastana, Haseena Maan Jaayegi, Hero No. 1, Dulhe Raja, Swarg…. I can just go on and on. Also, Saajan Chale Sasural, Shikari… there are so many of his films I can watch over and over again. Now, I have really liked him in Happy Ending and Kill/ Dil. He is one person I really look 
up to. 

He’s always been the funnyman for us, but what kind of a father is Govinda?

He’s not very serious, but he isn’t cracking jokes all the time (smiles). He’s very chilled out… I use the word ‘chiller’ for him! (Laughs) He plays cards with us, we have dinner together…. He has a great sense of humour and makes us laugh a lot. He’s also a very grounded person… he likes his dal-chawal over five-star hotel food any day (smiles). 

Your father’s done a lot of serious roles, but is primarily known as a comic actor. Have you discovered your funnybone yet?

I think I have! Just watch my debut and you will know (laughs). Comedy is in our blood, ya. 

You are never seen at Bollywood parties or mingling with industry people. Have you avoided that consciously or are you just not that kind of a person?

I haven’t avoided it consciously, but it’s just my upbringing. My dad has never had filmi dinners or parties at our house. Growing up, I never mingled with industry people. My father always used to be a thorough professional. Once he finished his work, he would switch off and come home. I think that’s something that has percolated down to me. But I am just starting out… maybe now I will make some friends in the industry (smiles). 

We’ve known you as Narmmadaa for years. Was the number of false starts in your career a reason to change that to Tina?

I haven’t changed my name, actually. Tina is my pet name and I just decided to use that as my screen name because it’s fun and young and easy to pronounce. My friends thought it sounded cooler (smiles). All my official documents have my name listed as Narmmadaa and that’s what my name will always be. 

Finally, your parents spend a lot of time in Calcutta… you have a home in Kalikapur. Do you visit Calcutta often?

I love Calcutta! I love shopping in Calcutta… whether it is Forum mall or South City Mall (smiles). Whenever I am in Calcutta, I make it a point to go to Sharma’s for tea. My nanaji (maternal grandfather) hails from Calcutta and whenever I am there, I make it a point to just spend a lot of time with my family there. Calcutta is a huge part of my childhood. I have a lot of emotions attached to the city. 

Will Tina make it big in Bolly? Tell t2@abp.in