'Chak De India' has special links with the state of Bihar as one of the prominent character among the 11 players of the women's Hockey team, Shilpa Shukla originally belongs to Hajipur in Vaishali district.

Twenty-seven-year-old Shilpa had six years of experience with theatre before bagging the Centre-half position in Shah Rukh Khan starrer ''Chak De India'' and has one in hand starring Abhay Deol.

Shilpa is excited about her playing a lead role opposite Abhay Deol in her coming movie ''Junction''.

'' For me, acting was always a passion and Khamosh Pani was the gate to Chak De, which has now given me a bigger platform, '' Shilpa said adding Director Shimit Amin cast her after seeing ''Khamosh Pani''.

When asked about her experience of working with veteran actors like Shah Rukh Khan and Kiron Kher, Shilpa said she was learning new things at every stage.

Shilpa, who got a hockey stick from her husband as a valentines day gift two days after she was selected, said, '' Chak De has imbibed within me the feeling of oneness and love for our National game. '' '' I had earlier no idea about hockey.