When you are pitted against flesh-eating zombies and a seasoned performer such as Saif Ali Khan, it’s tough to get noticed. But former model Pooja Gupta managed just fine in Go Goa Gone, her second Bollywood feature, playing the lovable party-animal Luna who comes out unscathed from the zombie flick. Critics gave her performance a nod and this weekend she’s back with Shortcut Romeo. “It’s a thriller with a little bit of action and romance thrown in,” said Gupta in an interview with tabloid!.

The 28-year-old star, who was crowned Miss India Universe in 2007, made it on her own merit in Bollywood. “I am new to this industry and I have no backing. I am on my own. Every day I learn something new here,” said Gupta, who is so fresh she’s yet to hire a publicist. Excerpts from our chat ...