Chennai, Dec 14 (IANS): Actress Disha Patani, who is making her debut in Telugu actioner "Loafer", credits director Puri Jagannadh and co-star Varun Tej for making her experience of working in the film and the industry memorable.

"I don't know if my debut would've been this memorable had I chosen to work in another film. Thanks to Puri and Varun, I thoroughly enjoyed working in the film and at the same time, learnt a lot. My journey in this industry has begun on a very good note," Disha, who hails from Nainital, told IANS.

Recalling how she bagged the role, she said: "Nearly two years ago, I had auditioned for one of Puri's projects but I didn't get the role as things didn't work out. I never expected to be called again."

However, destiny willed otherwise and she bagged the lead role in the film, which is slated to release in cinemas on Friday.

Disha plays a simple Hyderabadi girl in the film.

"It's a wonderful role of a girl who gets to explore life when she meets a guy. Although I play an urban character, I'm connected to the roots and know where I come from", she said, and added that it was absolutely fun working with her director.

"Puri is a fabulous director. Although he works extremely fast, he sure knows how to get what he wants from his actors. Even before we started shooting, he helped me understand the character so well that I could visualize it in my head.

"I enjoyed working with the team so much that it felt like I've been acting for many years. This was an amazing journey and it gave me an opportunity to explore myself," she said.

Disha can't stop raving about Varun.

"Varun is a very dedicated actor. He helped me so much whenever I got confused with my lines. He'd teach me patiently and wouldn't stop until I got it right. We bonded over football.

"We used to play on most days after the shoot. I was told that southern actors are too grounded and Varun stands testimony to that," said Disha, who aspired to be an Air Force pilot before entering films.

In "Loafer", she also shared the screen space with veteran actress Revathy, whom she considers her acting idol.

The film was predominantly shot in Jodhpur and Jaisalmer in Rajasthan, and while the weather condition in these places was not favourable to shoot, Disha still enjoyed working.

"We shot in the summer and you could imagine how hot it could've been. But we were completely in awe of the beautiful locations. When we were shooting in an old fort, we had this opportunity to dance with Rajasthani folk dancers.

"We got to learn so much about Rajasthani culture. The whole experience was so beautiful," recalls Disha, who currently has two projects in her kitty.