Actor in waiting: Laxmi Pandhe says want good roles but won't compromise

The world of glitz and glamour usually brings name, fame and money but things are not as hunky-dory as expected for actor and auto-rickshaw driver Laxmi Pandhe.

Life changed a bit for her after actor Boman Irani spotted her driving an auto at night on the streets of Mumbai, last month.

Posting a video clip of the encounter with her on social media, Boman shared the inspiring story of how Laxmi juggles two jobs -- acting in Marathi TV serials, films and driving an auto-rickshaw.

It made her famous. A lot of people talk to her now and also ask for a selfie, she says.

"I do text him (Boman) once in a while with a 'Good Morning' message. I have never asked him for work and I know I can get work if I talk to him or ask for it. But I haven't. In fact, I have never ever asked anyone to give me work. I rather follow a proper professional way to get work. I am happy and proud that I am a self-made person. I am content with my life and career," Laxmi told PTI in an interview.

She studied in a local municipal school up to class eight in suburban Mulund. As her parents were finding it difficult to make the ends meet, she dropped out of school. She was always passionate about acting but couldn't muster the courage of sharing it with her family until one of her family members saw her in a TV serial.

Laxmi shares, "I was interested in acting but my family did not like it. I was crazy about every aspect of cinema, I love dancing as well. I used to dance in our chawl functions, during Ganesh Chaturthi procession, etc."
Recalling her entry into TV and films Laxmi says, "I had a passing shot in 'Jai Maharashtra Dhaba Bhatinda', which I had got through a coordinator. My first ever salary was Rs 250 and I was over the moon. Later, I saw that film in the theatre and I was very happy. Sadly, I couldn't share this happiness with my family."
"I did some small roles here and there in some lesser known TV serials and films, till I got the role of a maid in this popular Marathi film 'Mumbai Pune Mumbai 3' and 'Project Marathwada', in which I played a farmer's wife. This film had Om Puri and Seema Biswas in the lead. I felt I would get more work in good films and will get prominent roles as well but that didn't happen."
"I do not consider any job as big or small. I have done everything on my own be it acting or any other job. I am also happy that I did not succumb to some exciting offers in acting, where I was paid a lot of money but I had to compromise for it. For me, my self-respect is more important."