It has been a great start...
Absolutely. I was fortunate to have a double debut, playing the lead in two films: a character-driven role in Mayakkam Enna and a glamorous girl in Osthe.
What kind of homework went into Mayakkam, any language issues?
Selvaraghavan, my director, told me to come to shoot everyday with a blank mind, and just let the emotions come naturally. Dhanush also helped me get under the skin of the character.
Your character, Yamini, is quite complex?
She is multi-dimensional: fiercely independent, charming, mature, nurturing and homely. Yamini will have a special place in my heart.
About your role in Osthe, the Tamil Dabangg.
Neduvaali is a complete contrast to Yamini. She is a rustic village belle, who is silent yet endearing. And yet, they are both strong but feminine in their own way.
Did you refer to the original Dabangg?
Though there are similarities, Osthe’s director Dharani added a distinct flair to the character to better suit the Tamil audience.
How has it been working with Dhanush?
Dhanush has no airs about him. He is patient and helped me understand my character. It was also interesting to see the silent connection between his brother and him.
And the southern film industry?
I started with Telugu films and now am into the Tamil industry. I didn’t find any differences between the two. Both have been welcoming.
No problems being an outsider?
No, luckily, the last three years I have been here, haven’t been bad at all!
You did an acting course, did it help?
I have always been intrinsically artistic, and Anupam Kher’s Acting School helped me make the transition from my life in the US to a contrasting one in Mumbai.
So, is Bollywood the next stop?
I hope for similar debuts in other languages as well, including Hindi and even Bengali.
