I will never say no to Gujarati films: Mona

Gujarati film industry will soon get its rightful place in the entertainment world with the talented artists of the state making their mark with their performances, said actors Hitu Kanodia and Mona Thiba, while talking to the DNA on Sunday. They are in the city for shooting of a Gujarati album.

"Gujarat is my first love and I will never leave my first love," said Thiba, adding, "Whatever I have achieved so far is only due to my association with the state."

Thiba, who has done more than 20 films in Gujarati and six films in Bhojpuri, is working
in five Bollywood films and most of them are nearing completion.    

When asked whether she would continue with Gujarati movies as she has been getting lots of offer from mainstream Hindi cinema, Thiba said, "I was born in Saurashtra and I am a pakki Gujarati by heart. Also I got the platform to show my talent through Gujarati movies. I will never say no to Gujarati movies or charge huge amount for the same," she said. 

The duo is impressed by the development works undertaken by Gujarat chief minister Narendra Modi in the state and his efforts for the uplift of Gujarati film industry. "I think he is sensitive to the tradition and culture of Gujarat," said Hitu Kanodia. "Film stars Shatrughna Sinha and Paresh Raval, and many others are planning film city or production houses in the state. Reason is that the Gujarati film market is yet to be explored," said Kanodia.

Hitu's father Naresh Kanodia has also signed an MoU with the state government at the Vibrant Gujarat 2009 for establishing a film city in the state.