"My younger daughter Meghaa has decided to join films," an excited Moushumi Chatterjee said on the phone.

"Can I speak to her?" I asked, after congratulating Moushumi.

"She has crooked teeth like me and is much more beautiful," said the proud mother.

Meghaa Chatterjee, 18, plans to make her debut in the Hindi film industry. She warns that she is 'madder' than her mother, whose last release was Deepa Mehta's Bollywood/Hollywood. "I think my mother overestimates my looks if she thinks I am as pretty as she was during her Kachhe Dhaage days," she laughs.

Dinesh Raheja catches up with Meghaa, in her first ever interview.

You completed your graduation before joining films.

My parents were keen that I complete my graduation before giving any thought to a career in acting. I am waiting for my graduation results. Hopefully, I will be a graduate soon.

When did you realise you wanted to become an actress?

As far back as I can remember, I wanted to be an actress. But I think the decision crystallised when I worked in my father's [the late Hemant Kumar's son Babu] television serial, Hrishikesh Mukherjee's Talaash, in 1992. I was asked to play the younger Moushumi because of my strong resemblance to my mother.

I was unsure about my mother's reaction when I announced my decision to join films. But she is very happy that someone is continuing the family legacy.

Why has your elder sister, Payal, stayed away from the camera?

She is more comfortable behind the camera. She likes to script and direct.

So can we expect to see a film produced by your father, directed by your sister, and starring you in future?

[Laughs] Who knows?

What have you done to prepare yourself as an actress?

I have learnt acting from the Namit Kishore Acting School and dancing from [choreographer] Shiamak Davar.

What other talents do you possess?

I write poetry. When Michael Jackson was in Mumbai for a concert, Anupam [Kher] Uncle helped get my poem on the pop star published in a newspaper. I was very excited.

Do you also write in Bengali?

I think in English. I write a lot in Hindi because I want my Hindi to be good. I assure you, my Hindi diction will be better than my mother's!

Who are your favourite actors?

Aamir Khan. I loved him in Dil Chahta Hai. From the younger lot, I love Hrithik Roshan and Vivek Oberoi.

Who inspires you as an actress?

My mother. She is like clay -- mouldable. I aspire to be like her.

When are you signing on the dotted line?

I am getting quite a few offers, but I am waiting to sign a good film.