I can proudly say that I got the Hollywood film because of my martial arts background: Neetu

In the past few years, Indian actors have carved a niche for themselves in Hollywood, with many even going on to play leads in international movies. Joining the league now is Neetu Chandra, who will be seen in the fourth instalment of the martial arts series, Never Back Down. The actress, who returned to Mumbai a couple of days ago after completing the film, says, “I started shooting from November 9 in London, and we wrapped up work in a little over a month.We are done with even the poster shoots. I can’t wait for the audience to see the movie.”
Neetu is playing one of the leads in Never Back Down: Revolt, and credits her background in martial arts for helping her land the film. “I’d gone for the special screening of Bad Boys somewhere in October-November last year at Culver City. That’s where I met David Zelon, producer of the series. We got talking and he learnt that I am a martial artiste, a fourth Dan black-belt in taekwondo and have represented India thrice. He immediately said he might be having a film for me. I didn’t take him seriously, but he offered me Revolt!” she says with a laugh, “I didn’t have to audition for the role, but I did have a presentation for them. They looked at my work, both as an actress and also as a martial artiste and sportsperson. I can proudly say that I got this movie because of my martial arts background.”
The actress started prepping for her role from July. “It’s an action movie, so there was fitness preparation and I also had an acting coach. I did whatever was needed to get into the character from Mumbai and I also had online meetings. I worked with my trainer Amit Doley, skin and naturopathy doctors Dr Sharmila Nayak and Dr Chitranjan, my nutritionist Dhanesh Hadwikar and acting coach Saxon Trainor.”
“From a vegetarian, I totally went vegan. The idea was to be as physically fit as possible,” says Neetu. While she can’t divulge details about her role, she tells us, “I’ve performed several forms of martial arts for the film, like MMA and Brazilian jiu-jitsu. I’ve been waiting for something which pushes me against the wall and push my limits, and I’m glad this movie happened.”
Directed by Kellie Madison, the movie also stars James Faulkner, Michael Bisping (actor and a former UFC Middleweight Champion), Diana Hoyos and Olivia Popica, among others. “Working with them has been such an enriching experience. They are all really hard workers and take their job seriously. They love India and welcomed me open-heartedly. I had a fantastic director who was very clear with her vision and knew what she wanted in each frame. My producers David, Craig (Baumgarten) and Ben (Jacques) were very accommodating. I just had to ask, and they would get it for me. We had a very positive atmosphere on the set and shooting for the movie was such a breeze,” says Neetu, and admits that she is happy she was able to work even during such difficult conditions. “Especially for actors, there’s hardly any work. So many artistes have gone through such ups and downs now. I am really happy that in these COVID-19 times, I got work. Of course, we were very careful on the set, especially because we shot in live locations in London. We would get tested every three days, wear masks all the time and get temperature checks done every day. But it’s the new normal and we all adapted.”
So, what’s next? “I am willing to work anywhere in the world. I did a Greek film a few years ago. I will go wherever I get work. I just need a good script,” she tells us with conviction.