IANS MODEL-TURNED-ACTRESS Tena Desae, who featured in British comedy-drama The Best Exotic Marigold Hotel, shared screen space with Dev Patel in the film but says it is not justified to compare her to Freida Pinto as their working styles are different.

“I don’t compare myself with Freida Pinto. She has come a long way. She does only films in the West. I am open to do both - Indian films and films from the West,” Tena said.

The common link between Tena and Freida is that the latter also made her international debut with British movie Slumdog Millioniare and her co-star was Dev Patel.

Directed by John Madden, known for directing Oscar winning movie Shakespeare In Love, The Best Exotic Marigold Hotel also starred Judi Dench and Bill Nighy. It released on May 13 and earned rave reviews.

“After doing this film, I have realised that there is no language for cinema. Don’t be surprised if you all see me in different kinds of cinema,” said Tena.

However, getting the film was not a cake walk for the Bangalore girl.

“Before I got the role, I had to give three long auditions. First, in front of the casting director, then with John Madden and then with the film’s producer and Madden again.

But, it went off smoothly. John’s a great guy,” she said.

Tena debuted in Hindi films with Yeh Faasle, which also starred Anupam Kher, in 2011.