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WITH the catchy number, Ding dong ding bole from Kuch To Hai, she shot into the limelight and become Balaji Films lucky mascot. At least, Ektaa Kapoor considered her one, that’s why she repeated Natassha in Balaji’s last three films. And even though brother Tusshar was not given a role in her latest production, Krishna Cottage, Ektaa made sure that Lady Lucky Natassha had a part to play in the thriller. And, guess what? Keeping in with Ektaa’s obsession for numerology, Nastassha has also added an extra ‘S’ to her name. No wonder she’s Balaji’s wonder girl

Tollywood may be all glitzy from the outside, but scratch the surface and its nasty side will be on display. One aspect of this is how event managers and stage show organisers often take heroines for a ride.

Stage shows are very popular in the state and on an average and most leading heroines have some horror story or the other to relate about them.

Says actress Namita, who’s done about 10 shows, “Recently, for an audio release function, a TV channel asked me to perform. Since they were a big name, I spent about Rs 40,000 on my tickets and costumes without an advance.”

The function was badly organised and the actors were treated curtly. “I didn’t even get to perform. They did that so I wouldn’t have to be paid the money,” Namita says.

An oft-used strategy is to sign on the heroine by paying her 10 per cent of the amount, then use her name to get sponsorship. Anita recalls a disastrous show at Vizag. The organisers signed her on by mentioning some big names who had taken part in other shows.

Anita spent Rs 25,000 from her pocket on flying up and down for rehearsals and costumes. But on the day of the show, the organisers told her that they had no money and pleaded with her to continue as a crowd was waiting.

“I felt sorry for them and they said they would pay me later. Finally, the cheque they gave me after much persuasion, bounced. Even today, they say they’ll pay after three days.”

Gazala points out that being soft hearted in the industry doesn’t work. “I always insist that I’m paid cash before the show. They know that girls from outside can be easily exploited as we can’t follow up on the payment.” And it’s mostly girls who get a raw deal. Says a source, “If such a thing happens to a big hero, it’ll be all over the news. But girls are usually afraid to kick up a fuss.”

hyderabadtimes@indiatimes.com