"I was like a gunda during my childhood days and used to love taking panga with people since I had knowledge of taekwandoo and karate", recalls Neetu.

Neetu as a child loved to irritate people. "I remember I used to stop the lift in the apartment when someone went in and would run away", she says mischievously. "I was a complete tomboy and used to wear only pants and shirts or t-shirts and play basketball", she goes on to add.

Neetu feels that being a sportsperson has really helped her in life. "I am a fearless and outspoken personality and can tackle any kind of situation without too much trouble since I have been a lot into sports", she feels.

"I am always ready with my answers to anyone. This is also a part of my personality because of my childhood", says the actress who debuted in Garam Masala.

In the process of spilling the beans about her childhood memories, Neetu stumbles upon one of the most defining moments of her life. "I once challenged my karate sir’s assistant but when he hit me, I felt great pain and started crying. That was the day I realised that as a girl I have certain limitations and that I shouldn’t cross the line. I tried to behave like a girl from that day", discloses Neetu.

Apart from being a sports freak, she is also a Kathak dancer. But now that she is an actress, she has to take much more care of her skin which can get badly affected because of her sports activities. And so Neetu has taken a conscious decision to look more and more after her body - how she looks, what kind of make-up she wears, her hairstyle and even the clothes she wears.

Life has definitely changed for Neetu since her tomboyish days. Today like every girl, even she wants to look smart and attractive!

Kajal Gohil

Thursday, 8 March, 2007