<span class=normal>They say Kolkata is stuck in time. And if this is any true, you need to meet Shirin: the beautiful Bengali actress who has never acted in a film before. But that doesnt take away the passion, dedication and love for her career in acting. Plus, she is a FTII pass out who was ragged for not having any knowledge of world cinema. All this and she impressed Vikramaditya Motwane in her first ever Bollywood audition and bagged Lootera. Today Shirin has no qualms about admitting the above because she has learnt the lifes most essential teaching from her father - Not knowing isnt anyones fault but not wanting to know is definitely your fault. And if thats the way ahead for Shirin, then be it, because she wants to keep learning. I met the Lootera actress at Costa to talk more on her Bengali background and Bollywood.<BR><BR> <br><p class=clear>&nbsp;</p> I have a very strong theatre background<BR><br><p class=clear>&nbsp;</p>I have a very strong theatre background. All my studies were acting oriented. My father is a well known face in the Bengali movies, not a star though (laughs). I gathered all the courage one day to tell my father that I wanted to pursue acting. He just said, Follow your dreams. I then completed my degree in drama from Kolkata. Then I got selected in FTII and I finished my diploma in acting. Thats my journey in short. </span>