She has been frequenting the Film and Television Institute of India (FTII) for years, literally growing up in films. Having done almost 35 diploma documentaries at the institute, she has featured as a kid, a traumatised girl and even as a 200-year-old woman. Acting since the age of seven, the camera has been constantly on a roll for city girl Sneha Laxmeshwar.

A second year arts student from the University of Pune, she has acted in a number of documentaries, feature films as well as a music album. "My grandmother always wanted to see me as an actor. Incidentally, I started working as a child artiste in FTII and gradually worked in print and television advertisements. I also featured in a music album -- Dere Dere Dolu Sawareya with Shobha Mudgal. We weren't sure if it would release and then I found myself on TV across channels. It's been about facing the camera non-stop and my parents have been enormously supportive," adds Laxmeshwar, who has also bagged the Ms Pune first runner up title in 2006.

Having modelled for a number of commercials, including those for Shoppers' Stop and Kakade Builders, the career of her choice remains films for Laxmeshwar, as she adds, "I played a lead character in the recently-released Marathi film Manya Sajjana, where I play the role of a college-going girl, extremely popular and with lots of attitude. My first feature film was Satya and that also had me in a student's role, although a serious one. Shaadi Soufflé is my most recent short film that has been selected for various international festivals."

It's the Hindi film industry that Laxmeshwar endeavours for next as she is busy discussing projects. "I don't want to remain an eye candy and instead wish to explore my acting potential. It's been a great beginning, although there's still a long way to go."