New York-based actress Neelu Sodhi makes her Bollywood debut in Eros International’s highly anticipated “English Vinglish,” starring the legendary Sridevi. The film also marks Sridevi's return to the big screen of after a 14-year sabbatical.

Directed by Gauri Shinde, wife of director R. Balki (“Paa” and “Cheeni Kum”), “English Vinglish” is described as a funny and emotional story about an Indian woman who doesn’t know English and is made to feel insecure by her family and society at large. Circumstances make her determined to overcome this insecurity, master the English language and teach the world a lesson.

Sodhi plays a pivotal role in the film as Sridevi’s niece and even shares a dance sequence with the renowned actress, according to a press release. The film also has a cameo by India’s biggest superstar, Amitabh Bachchan.

Set to release worldwide on Oct. 5, “English Vinglish” will have its world premiere at the 37th Toronto International Film Festival on Sept. 14. Sodhi will join the promotional tour for the film at TIFF followed by premieres in Mumbai and Chennai. The film is primarily shot in Pune, Mumbai and New York.

“I couldn’t be happier to be debuting in a film alongside an iconic actress like Sridevi,” Sodhi was quoted as saying in the press release. “The entire experience of ‘English Vinglish’ has been so humbling and rewarding and I can’t wait to see what the future holds for me hereafter.”

Sodhi left a corporate position with one of New York’s top investment management companies to follow her passion and talent for acting and pursue it as a full-time career.

 While the film marks her Bollywood debut, she is no stranger to the small screen, the press release said.
She has been featured in over 25 commercials, including for top brands such as Lancôme, Amazon Kindle, Budweiser, AT&T, Foot Locker and Citibank. She has also worked on multiple independent films such as “NY Samsara,” which will have its initial screening later this year at the Max Linder Theater in Paris.

Born in Pune and raised in India and Connecticut, Sodhi received a degree in economics and international studies from the University of Connecticut and went on to work for the Trust Company of the West (TCW) within the Leverage Finance Group.

She has trained at the Lee Strasberg Theatre & Film Institute, New York Film Academy and coached under Wynn Handman, artistic director of The American Place Theatre.