Never thought my movie will go to Cannes: Shashank Arora

New Delhi: Newcomer Shashank Arora considers himself blessed for having bagged the starring role in `Titli`, which will see its world premiere at the on-going Cannes Film Festival.Helmed by debutant director Kanu Behl and produced by Dibakar Banerjee and Yash Raj Films, the family drama is slated to premiere in the `UnCertain Regard` category at Cannes. The movie also stars Ranvir Shorey, Amit Sial and Lalit Behl.

"I feel blessed as I had never imagined that my debut film will premiere in Cannes. Five years ago, I was doing auditions and now am I am heading to Cannes. I happy that I got to do what I love to do and with someone who is a great director and who really spoon fed me when I needed," Shashank told. "I will tag along with the director and will watch great cinema. I can learn some things and watch wonderful cinema as well," he added. The actor landed in Mumbai as a teenager in hopes of pursuing his dreams after graduating from Montreal. "When I was about 15, I was editing and putting music to videos on my computer. When I was 17, I left for Montreal Canada and did Fine Arts Bachelor in music and cinema. "After two years I came to Bombay when I was 19 and studied acting for two years. I was cast in two three productions before meeting Kanu for `Titli`," he added. Shashank does not identify with the role he plays in `Titli` and attended workshops to prepare for the character. "I attended a few workshops which were needed to create a few things the character was going through as I am not really like him. I also went to Meerut to prepare." He may be acting in movies now, but Shashank is intrigued by filmmaking and has a dream to turn director. "I just love making cinema. I have dreams of making films and being part of it. I hope people like my film. (Post `Titli`) I intend to keep my head grounded and keep working," he said. World cinema and that of Bollywood holds special value in the actor`s life. "I love good stories. Some of the Bollywood movies are really passionate and entertaining. There is world cinema and Iranian films which are fresh and have wonderful stories. I like watching new and fresh movies," he said.