Navneet: After seeing Aishwarya Rai being crowned Ms World, my parents were keen on me also becoming Ms India and Ms Universe and for as long as I can remember I wanted the same thing too. Whenever someone asked me or if I had to write an essay in school on what I wanted to be when I grew up, I always said or wrote ‘Ms India’. And here I am.
TG: If not Ms India, where would Navneet be now?
When I participated at the pageant, I was already pursuing my studies to be in the film industry. I have completed my B.Tech in Television, Film Production and Media Technology. So if not infront of the camera, I would definitely have been behind the screen. Apart from this, I did consider becoming an army officer like my father.
TG: What has changed for you after the Ms India title?
From an army brat, I have become a much more mature and understanding person. When you live with your parents you get all the attention and care but once you move out of the comfort zone, you tend to understand that things cannot always be the way you want them to be and adapt accordingly. After I won the title, my friends began saying things like “Aap aa gaye” which was weird because hese were the same friends would call me by names etc. No one wants to lose out on friends and now I am Navneet for them. Also, there were a lot of people who didn’t know I was Ms India before I featured in any of the movies. Then my mother being the typical mother would make it a point to mention that I am Ms India.
TG: How was the experience in Loveshuda as a debutant?
Loveshuda was a wonderful experience even though I had done a few short films when I was in college. I especially enjoyed working with Tips. I also did a film with Punjab’s biggest star Diljit Dosanjh which was also a Tips film.
TG: In a film project, what do you look for?
Script is definitely important. I also look at the director and my character in the film.
TG: Any specific people that you would like to work with in the film industry?
I would like to work with R Balki, Sanjay Leela Bhansali, Surjit Sircar. I don’t really consider anyone a role model as such. I don’t think anyone is as perfect as Aamir Khan is (smiles). I most certainly would love to work with him. I would also like to work with Ranbir Kapoor and Irfan Khan.
TG: With so many star kids entering the industry today, where do you stand your chance as a fresher?
Just like there cannot be another Alia, there cannot be another Navneet. There are a lot of expectations from star kids which people don’t have that from us. If you prove yourself then you will most certainly be welcome in the industry. You just need that one good film to prove yourself.
TG: What are your views on the ongoing controversy about the ‘casting couch’?
Honestly, I have not had experiences like that. I have been around people who are really helpful and nice to me. I have had friends who have told me about their experiences but I cannot blame one person for it. If it has happened it has, if it has not happened then you are lucky. But it should not happen to anybody. And why just talk about the film industry? It’s everywhere.
TG:Your thoughts about Goa
I have been to Goa before and I love Goan beaches. I also love the monsoons in Goa although there are hardly any people who do. I like how green it becomes. I also love Goan food especially prawns balchao, chicken xacuti. My favourite is prawns curry and rice. In fact, I love cooking. Just the other day I was telling someone that I would like to try making prawns curry and take some Goan rice home and cook. But then I decided that it would just spoil the whole experience of coming here and enjoying it.
