There is a strong social narrative woven beautifully into the script," says Yami Gautam of her next film, Bala, which sees her play a Lucknow-based model. Having found an inroad into Bollywood through gigs as a model, Gautam certainly knows the ropes of the profession.

"I didn't have to study the material as much as I had to internalise it. I discovered the part as I went along. I had no reference point for my character and everything had to be worked upon based on my discussion with Amar [Kaushik, director], and his vision. Reading the script over and over again helped me prepare for the part," says Gautam.