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Sonal Chauhan

One might think that this girl is yet another import from Bollywood and she might come and go with the ebb and flow of trends in Telugu film industry. Miss World (Tourism) and former Miss India Sonal Chauhaan has all the guts to admit that she was just a beginner in Tollywood, but hopeful of a longstanding career here. “I am thrilled at Telugu film industry, which has its hoary past, recently celebrating its diamond jubilee. I know I am not working in an industry that has no history. It’s my privilege and honor to be part of Andhra Pradesh and to be entertaining its people.” Currently, this tall girl, with features resembling of a Greek sculpture, is doing the heroine for Rahul (call him Tyson of Happy Days) for VN Aditya’s latest film Rainbow. She was seen shuttling from makeup room to the shot location without putting on a single sign of tedium. Idlebrain met her for an exclusive interview. She faced the interview with all curiosity, because to put it in her own words, “I can neither be flexible nor rigid. Just, let me speak as I feel.”


How you began your career in film industry?
Before cutting through the entertainment world, I had ample experience as a model. Prior to that, I participated in a lot much pageantry all over the world. As you are aware, I got through the much-happening Miss World (Tourism) show. That brought me a great beginning wherever I went. Crowds, young or old, cheered me with love and affection. To say there will not be a full-stop in my career, the title of Miss India favored me. This brought me oceanic recognition. My debut movie Jannat was the result. I played Zoya, a passionate character, showing a landscape of human emotions, feminine grace and the much-sought-after glamour share. These were words of appreciation from my well-wishers, when they reacted to my acting in Jannat. The same feedback I recall for you.

How did you get this opportunity in Telugu?
For a hardcore believer in hard work, I have no time for dreaming. As and when I finished Jannat and was enjoying its success, I got a call from Hyderabad. I was amazed with the celluloid vision of my director VN Aditya. His track record shows he is a hardcore lover of industry like me. I loved the director’s perception, his script and narration. He was thrilled with my performance in Jannat. Naturally, we believed in each other’s capabilities – Aditya as the captain, and me as a player.

Tell us about your character in Rainbow?
My character is very very very important in the film. Say, it is the central character. I play a ravishing beauty, who comes to Tollywood to become a heroine. Why did she come to the film world, at all? Did she achieve her goal? What she has lost and what she has gained? Above all, it is a moving love story. You might even retort that you had heard similar stories. But, I assure, it is altogether a new experience for all the artistes.

What kind of your support you get from your parents? What are they?
Generally, I don’t like to speak about my parents. Of course, they support me. My father is just working; and my mom, doing business. (Sonal was reluctant and felt uneasy to the question.)

Sridevi

Sridevi. The very mention of that magical and romantic name makes your eyelids droop and you go nostalgic about your experiences of watching an all-time screen wonder. Leave that for now. Come back and consider the dreams of her ardent fan. Manjula-Vijaykumar’s darling daughter Sridevi. Shedding her childhood molt, she made her debut as heroine in Prabhas debut film – Eeshwar (2002). After that she acted in six films in six years. There is a general feel that she couldn’t get that so-called commercial break. But, the girl, fuming but appearing cool, declares: “I am never for money. I am not here to become a star heroine. I am content with what I am. I will get my time.” With hope gushing out from her dark eyes, her lips quiver – clearly suggesting her passion for a vengeful comeback. “In my view, there is nothing like big star or small artiste. An artiste is an artiste. If I do star with debutants, what’s wrong in that?” The actress speaks about her marriage, expose factor, and above all her perception of acting. Currently, she plays the heroine (as Muslim girl) in a violent love story – Manjeera. An Idlebrain’s exclusive interview:


Tell us how you made your way up to film industry?
You know that I am the daughter of Manjula and Vijaykumar. Hailing from a very popular artistes’ family, it’s natural that I hold interest in the filed of Cinema. I was known to many as a child artiste. With the blessings of my parents and film industry elders, I made my debut as heroine in Eeshwar with Prabhas. That film brought me much recognition, but I knew and agree that I couldn’t move ahead to the expected stretches. I am always busy with my career in Tamil and Kannada also. But, I shall be ever grateful to Tollywood.

So many heroines came and bagged stardom. Don’t you think you missed the train of success?
I don’t have any regrets. Why should I feel that way? See, I am basically an artiste. I have got my own commitments and interests. I don’t like comparison. I go my own way. My perception of success is altogether different from the narrow thinking.

Why there are many breakups in your career?
So far I have done 12 films in Telugu, Kannada and Tamil. It shows I am engaged to films regularly. Then, from where does the gap come?

What you consider important in your career?
Certainly, it’s not stardom, as you people think. I love to do memorable characters. That should elevate the prowess of an actress. Merely romancing with the hero doesn’t make an actress a crazy heroine. That kind of name is just temporary. You can’t deny this. You go and watch all my films. All of them will show me in good roles, worthy roles that could sure be remembered for their performance. So, I give a lot of importance to the characterization given to me.

The influence of your mom (Manjula) on your career?
Yes. She inspires me a lot. She is a big source of strength to me. So also my dad. They are my best critics.

What kind of suggestions they give you?
They give me a lot of suggestions. But, every time, they do it after watching my films. Yes. You might feel it strange. Of course, me too. When I go to shoot, they don’t say anything. They don’t want to mess up things. They love my individuality. But, their constructive criticism of my performance on the screen helps me better myself each time. This way, I care more to become a perfect artiste rather than ending up as a commercial heroine with no longevity.

See, during these six years, you have not acted with any big hero. Why didn’t you get the opportunity?
I don’t believe in categorizing artistes as big and small. Every artiste has his/her importance. If everybody wants to become big, you can’t make a movie at all. Terms like big and small are a big fallacy. Come on. You tell me. Is there anything wrong in not working with big heroes? Or do I become something little if I act with debutants? My perception of acting is very broad. I can never allow my mind to get into channels of narrow thinking.

When are you going to marry?
It might take a couple of years.

Will it be arranged or love marriage?
It could be a mix of both.

What is your opinion about love?
It is a beautiful feeling. It is common for all. But, the expression of it might differ. Without this human element, a life is not complete.

Do you support or oppose the so-called “Exposing” in films?
First of all you understand that there is a lot of confusion in the film industry about Glamour and Expose. Let me tell you frankly. The audience comes to see something on the screen which they don’t regularly find in their real life. That is glamour. They want something more. That is exposing. There is nothing wrong in exposing, which is a basic requirement for films.

So, you are supporting exposing in films?
I neither support nor oppose. Until and unless it crosses the limits, everything would be nice. Let us call it glamour. Beyond that… it amounts to vulgarity. But, don’t get confused. Glamour, exposing and vulgarity are different from one another.

You seem to care much for performance. Do you get any awards so far?
Performance and getting awards are not to be linked with each other. A good performer does her character out of passion and merely for awards. Anyways, I got some private awards for my Tamil films – Devathai Konden and Priyamana Thol. Wherever I go, people love to speak to me. When they try to compare me with my mom, I feel proud of it. It reminds me of our responsibility to become a good actress.

What are the strategies you maintain to withstand the competition?
See I am not a competitor to anybody. I am my own competitor. I already said. My primarily interest is to do good roles. Roles that should be memorable. Why should I compete with somebody? Acting is an art and not a race.

Okay. What you think are your major strengths as an actress?
My parents are my biggest strength. I don’t entertain any jealousy against anybody. I do my own business and don’t care for others. At the same time, I am adaptable to good things.

As a heroine of 12 films (six in Telugu), are you comfortable with your remuneration?
I don’t really bother about remuneration. It is not at all the criterion. I have great parents. I am under pressure to earn money. I consider acting more as my passion rather than profession.

What is your dream role?
I don’t have anything in particular. Just I will be satisfied with all good roles. But they should be performance-oriented.

What are your hobbies?
Playing shuttle and badminton.

Lakshmi Lahari

For a male or female, life in the glitter world is like riding a tiger. You must continue whether you like it or not, says Lahari alias Lakshmi Lahari alias Lakshmi Sharma (in Malayalam) came to Hyderabad from Vijayawada to pursue her dream to become a heroine. But, she had to adjust making debut as “side-actress” in EVV Satyanrayana starrer “Ammo Okato Thareeku” (2000), for which she got a remuneration of Rs. 20,000. In the film College, again she played the second fiddle. Two years later, she realized her dream in a small film and that went into the oblivion soon. Later, she took the avatar as “Chiranjeevi gari Mena Kodalu” in Indra. Of course, that proved lethal dose to her advancement as heroine in Tollywood. She tried and tried like the proverbial spider but couldn’t build her web. Caught in the mire of anger, disappointment and vexation, she flew to Kerala, where she did 10 films as heroine, with 3 films ready for release and two more set for launch in the coming weeks. Her love for mother industry yet put her at the receiving end. She met almost all the directors and producers. Everybody was ready to offer her the roles of – heroine’s friend or sister, hero’s sister, or a character role. “I learnt Bharatanatyam for eight years and loved the big screen more than my life. But, misfortune continuously dogged me. It shouldn’t happen to our Telugu girls,” Lahari regrets with a curl on her lip (out of irritation towards Tollywood). In an exclusive interview to Idlebrain, this celebrity of God’s Own Country but shunned heroine of Andhra Pradesh, she reveals how Malayalam guys propose to her, about the dangers of Zero-size mania, and the necessity to have performance-oriented films for heroines instead of mere glam dolls. But, we don’t know why, she preferred not to make any mention to her performance as X class girl in Soundarya’s film Ammoru (1995)

When did you make your entry into Tollywood? And your background earlier?
I come from Vijayawada. My dad worked in the Postal department and mom, with APSRTC. Both were higher officials. They took voluntary retirement and we settled in Hyderabad six years ago. In Hyderabad, it was my avowed dream to become a heroine. I tried and tried and all my efforts were exhausted. The Telugu film industry was ruthless to me. I don’t have much to tell you from the glamour point of view. Just I started my career in Tollywood with EVV Satyanarayana’s Ammo Okato Thareeku (2000), not as heroine, but in some good role. I did films like College. Though I did lead female roles in the films Manamiddaram and Vacchina Vaadu Sureedu, they didn’t click. But, I had some solace. In Chiranjeevi gari film Indra (2002), I did the role as his Mena Kodalu (niece). Even today, most of the people, wherever I go, call me as Chiru’s niece. I am happy. Other than that, I don’t have any moment of luck or happiness. Fate was unfeeling to me. Of course, nothing deters me from realizing my dream. I am now happy with Kerala film industry. At least, I am one among the recognized heroines. Now, I am here in Tollywood to play a negative role. It’s just an experiment. The film is Oka Ammai Oka Abbai, launched a few days back. I believe that such characters are very much liked by the audience. But, storywriters and directors are not coming out with such roles.

What about your stint on the small screen?
What I couldn’t get on the big screen, I got it on the small screen. People still remember me as Durga as I did the title role in the TV serial Durga. Significantly, I come from Vijayawada, the abode of Goddess Kanaka Durga. ETV Suman garu liked my performance very much. At a time I was struggling to fight out the stalemate in my career bogged down disgrace due to offer of insignificant roles, the TV field came as a big rescue to me. It did resurrect my hopes as an artiste. My second life began with TV industry.

So, you left Tollywood due to lack of heroine roles?
Of course. Basically, I stepped into Tollywood to become a heroine. But, I was so flexible as an artiste that I got ready to do significant roles. What I mean by significant roles is that roles that can really help an artiste perform. But, most of the roles offered to me were the ones which actually contributed to my getting sidelined.

How did you enter Mollywood?
It so happened that I attended a screen test by a professional filmmaker in Chennai in 2005. Those photos and video footage impressed star Malayalam director Blessy. That way, I got the opportunity to set my foot in God’s Own Country. So far, ten of my films got released. Three are ready for release. Two are on the sets. Two are going to be launched soon. In 2006, I did the film Palungu, with Mammooty sir. I also did the film Ayuvu Rekha with Suresh Gopi. Kerala audience found a Srividya in me.

What is the main reason that you failed to achieve your heroine dream?
It’s in Telugu only. I can’t judge. But, I know this. Telugu audience like glam dolls as heroines. That time I was somehow reluctant to expose and I hardly exposed. You know the invasion of Tollywood by Mumbai models and Bollywood actresses. This influx is equally shared by Kerala Kutties. I frankly admit that these exports are doing absolute justice to their job. They are very glamorous compared to our Telugu girls. They are tall, sexy, wield sharp features. Above all, they are easily adaptable to ZERO Size.

Do you think you can make a comeback as heroine with Zero size?
Absolutely not possible. See my figure. Somehow, I don’t think I can succeed in the feat. Moreover, our (Tollywood) films are pucca commercial. For that purpose, I can’t go for Zero size. I don’t have permanency here. So, why should I risk. Moreover, maintaining Zero size has several ill effects on health. I think you know this. Doctors are warning against this development every day.

How different is Kerala film industry from Telugu?
It’s God’s Own Country. People are also very congenial and admirable. Basically, movies there are not commercial. They are more about family relationships. They hold concrete reality to real life. No need for inches of makeup. No need for artificial costumes. Everything, say more than 90% its natural there. The budget is not a big constraint there. Majority of the films are low-budget ventures. Almost all the films have their audience. In fact, the Malayalam Cinema has its universal impact, but rather silently.

Mamata Mohandas

Even two years after making her debut into Tollywood (first as singer, followed by as an actress), the solo-heroine dream continues to evade this Kerala Kutty. Leave alone the drawbacks. Anyways, Mamata Mohandas became an instant celebrity with the click of the title song in NTR-Krishnavamsi starrer Raakhi in 2006. Then, she secured her image with Aakalesthe Annam Pedatha song in Megastar Shankar Dada Zindabad. Giving a new twist to her songster career, Mamata made her debut as an actress in Yamadonga, a much-hyped film of SS Rajamouli with NTR. Later, she donned a negative role (not considered by many as heroine) in the film Krishnarjuna. Now, Mamata gets ready once again as the second fiddle in Victory Venkatesh ready for release film "Chintakayala Ravi". For this Kerala NRI from Bahrain, "Tollywood is a land of creativity and opportunities for the talented artistes. There are heroines who had even played the third fiddle before becoming heartthrobs. I am not here for an image, but for a serious career to prove my talents," she says in an exclusive interview to Idlebrain.com. Interestingly, the girl wields a deeper understanding of the Indian film industry in general


How about your journey in Tollywood?
You all know that I came to Tollywood as a singer. Before that I did Malayalam films. Suddenly, one day, Rajamouli introduced me as an actress here. He did give me immense moral support, which otherwise it would have been very difficult for me to cope up in my intial days. After that, I did a negative role in Krishnarjuna. My two films – Homam and Victory – were released recently and they brought me a good name as a good performer.

Did you face any difficulty in Tollywood so far?
Of course. Very few people know this. I was replaced in a couple of films. Aata and Don. MS Raju went in for Ileana, and Anushka was fixed for Don. As of Don, I came to know that Lawrance (director of that film) strongly opposed to entertain me as heroine in Don. I don't know the exact reasons. At first, I felt bad. Later, I did understand their personal reservations.

Tell us about Chintakalaya Ravi?
It's a lucky project for me. Working with big hero Venkatesh, it's like a dream to me. He is a thorough gentleman. In each and every aspect, he is very dignified. Seeing him and working with him as Chintakayala Ravi is hilarious. Venkatesh himself is a bundle of creativity and high energy. My director Yogesh said the film is a complete family entertainer with superb comedy.

What's your role in this film?
I did the role of Lavanya. Village lass. I am to marry Venkatesh, when an alliance comes to my house. As the bride-choice, I cherish dreams to go to the US and enjoy life there, knowing that my would-be is a software engineer there. Mine is totally a village role. I think village roles suit me better than city getups.

How lengthier is your role?
Good footage. I have two songs with Venky in the backdrop of US. But, the entire talkie is done here. I don't go to US. Just dream songs, but situational.

Who dreams? You or Venky?
Both. One time I dream, the next, Venky.

Tell us about your director Yogesh?
I think you know that he is coming after a gap of four or five years. You can see him making his comeback with vengeance. In each and every frame, his careful handling is seen.

What is your confidence level about Chintakayala Ravi?
I can directly assure the audience that the film is going to be a super hit. I say this because; I saw most scenes in this. The story of Kona Venkat simply rocks.

Your chemistry with Anushka?
Good. Firstly, everybody on the sets used to tease both of us. Somebody will come and say that Anushka will cut my scenes. They go to Anushka and say I would cut her scenes. I frankly admit, there had prevailed some uneasy moments initially. But, in the days that followed, we came have perfect chemistry between us. Yogesh told both of us to be friendly. Now, really we are very good friends.

Did you ever feel jealous of her?
No. Certainly No. I am not that kind of person. In fact, Anushka is a good and beautiful performer.

Why didn't you sing a song in C. Ravi?
By the time, I came into the project, already five songs were recorded and only one song – that too a party song – was remaining. I would always love to work with Vishal-Sekhar, but I was not lucky in this aspect. Hope, I can do next time.

What kind of feedback you get for your roles?
Definitely, I respect feedback from people. Good or bad, I take them with a positive feel. In Yamadonga, the audience really liked my role and they talked about it. I know my role in Krishnarjuna came with negative shades. Just because the movie didn't do well, there is no much scope for generation of the exact feedback. I also know, some audience didn't even consider it as that of a heroine. It's all okay. Let me face future with more confidence and understanding.

Even one year after your debut (Yamadonga), you are still doing the second fiddle. Do you feel for it?
Why? There are heroines who had even played the third or even fourth fiddle before hitting the bull's eye. I consider myself as an actress, not as heroine. That too, I am just one-year-old. Now, I am doing with a big hero like Venkatesh. I take this as positive development in my career. Categorizing a heroine into first, second and third or fourth levels are just narrow thinking and don't really sound professional. Of course, I know people cherish this doubt.

Recently, there's slight furor over a song in Homam. Your experience with that number?
Yes. I felt very embarrassed with that song. First day and second day, I just worked without taking any personal opinion on that, because I was working with a senior hero like Jagapati Babu. The third day, I telephoned to JD Chakravarty (director) and told him I felt very irritating to act in that erotic song. He simply said: Mamta, just you finish it and see. If it really hurts you, then we will do something. The next day, the media wrote that I had a big fight with him. Really, nothing like that happened. After that, I saw the song during the audio release function. I didn't find anything bad. That song just reflected a mood in that film. Ok.

Once again, you are doing the second-line heroine in King. Why?
Why can't I do that? See, Nag is really a king on Telugu celluloid. About Seenu Vytla, I don't think I need to tell you about him. This is a big combination. I feel King is also a golden opportunity for me to prove myself.

Is there any moment when you rejected any offers?
Yes. I rejected two or three films, because I didn't like the script. For me, I first give importance to the script. My role should have some prominence. Even it is of one minute, no problem, but it should elevate my career and I should have something to perform.

How do you maintain your glamour?
It's very important to an actress. But, all these days, I didn't really take this seriously. Just from the recent days that I am concentrating on glamour. Costumes play a major role. In the film Krishnarjuna, I was given the costumes that didn't fit my measurements. Sometimes, the dress will be either short or tall. I sensed the oddity, but I finished the shots later.

Why don't you have a personal designer?
Yes. After sour incidents like this, I recently got one personal designer of mine. I hope I am wearing nice dresses these days. Right?

What about Kerala girls dominating the film industry?
Kerala is a small state with limited resources. Poverty is one thing that makes hard working people leave the state and go in search of greener pastures outside. See, Kerala is God's Own Country. God has really given us the best of the female features with black large eyes, sharp nose and above all alluring complexion. Generally, Kerala girls are beautiful and they simply arrest the passersby. I remember one saying… you don't like the fragrance in your garden and search in somebody else's garden. It is also like this. Even the Telugu girls are very beautiful. I genuinely wish that Telugu girls also should come into their language industry.

The difference between remuneration? (Between Kerala and Andhra)
See, the maximum the heroines get in Malayalam film industry will be between 3-9 lakhs. But, here, the figure is nearly ten times more than that. Naturally, they like the best.

You are doing films in Tamil, Telugu and Malayalam. Which you prefer most?
We will absolutely find Tollywood or Kollywood a better option. Malayalam film industry is not rich. There is no better marketing. Originality is fast disappearing. The onslaught of Tamil films (direct) and Telugu films (dubbed) are affecting the local fortunes there. A Kerala girl honestly feels that if she were to continue her career in Malayalam, she would be risking her future. She will one day find that she is a withered flower. You see, a Kerala girl is also noble at heart. They are the best in nursing field.

How do you respond to rumors?
Nothing much. Rumors are part of the glitter world. The worst rumor in my life is that when people linked me with a hero in Malayalam. That hero is of my dad's age. I felt very bad and stopped films for sometime. When I came here, there was gossiping between me and Devi Sri Prasad. Seeing the rumors, we used to cut jokes. Gradually, I learnt that gossips are something that has become an integral part of the film industry. But, there are some artistes who try to get advantage of such rumors, good or bad. They consider this as one way of publicity to bolster their career.

Shweta Basu Prasad

With her naughty mannerisms … Eekada? (For Ekkkada) & ayyabaaboi nuvvala anaku naaku edholaa vundhi in Kotha Bangaru Lokam, the 17-year-old Shwetha Basu Prasad has become the naya heartthrob of our Inter and (degree) guys all over Andhra Pradesh. She is strikingly talkative, giving a fine expression of herself, her career and options in private life. Born to a UP father and Bengali mother, she truly reflects the cosmopolitan outlook of the new generation teens. She has the guts to say that she blind-dated a Punjabi guy. With KBL making a clean sweep of the theatres, the girl stands at the vantage point… say a hotcake for the filmmakers in Tollywood. In an exclusive interview to Idlebrain.com, she reveals that: “I am not Swapna of KBL in real life. But, quite opposite to the character.”


Tell us about your background?
I am Shweta Basu Prasad. It’s my newly altered name with my mom’s surname included for this film (KBL). Prasad represents the lineage from my dad’s side. I was born in the Steel City of Jamshedpur (Jharkhand) and I came to Mumbai when I was three or four. My mom’s ancestry stretches to West Bengal. I can read and write Bengali. My dad is from Uttar Pradesh and later moved to Delhi. My dad has strong background in the Theatre. At the age of 11, I became a child artiste, making my debut with Makdi. It was written and directed by music composer Vishal Bharadwaj, starring Shabana Azmi as witch. I played the dual role in that film. It got me National Award (The Best Child Artiste) and I received it from the then President APJ Abdul Kalam. That time I was 12. At the age of 14, I did Iqbal, a Nagesh Kukunoor’s film produced by Subash Ghai film, entirely shot in and around Tenali. I did another film in Bengali with Mithun Chakravarthy. And this (KBL) is my first film as heroine. I will be turning 18 in January next year.

You worked with some of the famed directors and banner. What did you learn from your stint with them all these years?
In fact, I never took any training for acting in films. Even during my childhood and schooldays too, I was not used to it. But, I felt the passion for films naturally. Working for Makdi, I didn’t pay much attention to learning. That time it was completely professional. To be relevant, I can say that I got the sense of preparation for the scenes from Shabana Azmi (in Makdi). It also helped me to tune my body language and down-to-earth adaptation to the situations. From Mithun Chakrabarty, I got the point as to how to get into the characterization. In KBL, I found working with senior artistes like Jayasudha, Brahmanandam and all. This made me catch the plus points and learn from the minus points.

What you think are your plus points?
I have got great memory power. It’s my strength. See, working for a film like KBL with Telugu being completely alien to me, I had to work on a new horizon. I had to be quick in dialogue delivery. Ten minutes before the shoot of the scene, I was told the dialogues, which I had to enact live. Secondly, I have passion for work. I enjoy what I do. I am always used to work with agility.

What about your studies?
Studies is ever important to me, that too coming from a family wielding highly educated professionals in high posts… doctors, engineers, CAs. My parents don’t love me if I have no mind for education. Now, I am doing my 11th at a CBSE high school in Mumbai. I will continue and set to do B.Com. I concentrate on the present and plan for the future.

How do you balance your acting career and studies?
I don’t necessarily study and do a job. To be an actress, I don’t need to have a degree as qualification. But, education is important to me. To be literate is a must. I know what I am doing.

Tell us about your experience working for KBL?
I am new, but got a very banner (production house). The script was real, fresh, though we have seen many love stories. I could work with senior artistes. Music and cinematography were fantastic. I had lots of experiences each day working with the KBL team. Actually, I am an outsider. The culture here is different to me. Each day, it was like a struggle to me with the language and culture… and I enjoyed all these.

You got a National Award. Further, what do you want to achieve?
Yes. Already I got the National Award. More than that, I got an international award as the Best Supporting Actress Award at the Karachi Film Festival. I could do the dual role in Makdi. Though a staunch Hindu, I donned the role of a Muslim girl in Iqbal. I played role of mother less child in Bengali film. Now, in KBL, I did the role as Swapna, which is completely the opposite of mine in real life. Getting recognized as a child artiste and with a rising career, I say… I am greedy right now. I am greedy to do more difficult and challenging roles. I can do them only when I am at them.

What about your fan mail?
I don’t have a fan mail. Living in Mumbai, I don’t know much about the audience here. Now, with this KBL success, I got to know that I got much craze among the youth in Andhra Pradesh. I know, the audiences are the real judges. I am delighted and happy now.

What’s your email Id?
shweta_basu_prasad@hotmail.com

How you differentiate between Swapna (as KBL heroine) and self (Swetha)?
Swapna is highly restricted in her way by narrow-minded parents. They are overprotective about the girl. But, I (in real life) have got absolute freedom and face no restrictions at all. My mom is my best friend. I share everything with her. Swapna is simple, alone and thinks differently. But, I am fun loving, friendly and mischievous. Swapna has the patience to wait for four years for her lover. But, I can’t wait for even four days (Laughs).

Who’s your favorite actor?
Aamir Khan. Thre is always value and money for the audiences for his films. Among the Hollywood actors, Johnny Depp is my favorite.

Can you list out your favorite films?
God! It’s a long list. Anyways, I tell you. Saudagar, Amar Prem, Chalti Ka Nam Gadi, DDLJ, Ghungroo, Range De Basanti, Nayak (Shankar) and…. Many more.

Your favorites in Hollywood?
Manhattan, Titanic and Memoirs of a Geisha. Memoirs of a Geisha reflects the many shades of a woman at different ages.

If you happen to be taken for a remake of a classic, which one would you prefer most?
Amar Prem (Sharmila Tagore), Dushman (Kajol) and Khoobsurat (Rekha)

What’s your hobbies?
Reading books, newspapers. I love music. I carry Ipod with me always. I am a very private person, mostly. I like to frolic in family functions only. I am not a party person.

What are your favorite books?
Pride and Prejudice of Jane Austen. Time Machine of HG Wells, Kuldip Nayyar’s non-fiction Without Fear: Life and trial of Bhagat Singh.

What about your favorite dishes?
With my Bengali ancestry, I am regularly used to fish and rice, my staple diet. Thanks to my dad’s side, I like Rajma Chawal. I like butter chicken. My mom is an expert in making Alu parottas. And next.. Pulav. I love Chinese too. I also like street food like Vada Pav, Pav Baji, Sav Puri and Pani Puri.

How come you eat all these stuff and maintain your physic?
I believe in eating and exercising. I am a big foodie. I never think of dieting. I eat a lot, but I take it at the right time. And doing exercises regularly.

What are your favorite restaurants?
Oh Calcutta, Mainland China, Pop Tates (Italian) and Aromas of China are the restaurants I prefer inMumbai..

Did you date anytime?
Since schooling, I do have a lot of friends. I am tomboyish by nature. Most of them found me always fighting with them. The guys were always scared of me and didn’t have courage to say anything of that sort directly to me. Of course, some guys would send me messages. Hmm… But, I blind-dated a Punjabi guy in March of this year. I don’t generally expect anything on my date.

What’s the best compliment for you?
During the shoot of a sequence for the film Iqbal, it was Nasiruddin Shaw, who said: “Shweta, you are doing well. I’m not surprised.” He had watched my film Makdi. Next, it was Asha Parekh Ji. At a function in Dubai, she told me: “I am the world’s biggest fan of you.” As she said so, I found the tray she held trembling. Above all, I always consider that the best compliment is always from the director, because he is the creator of a character.

Just at 17, you are so matured in expressions?
Oh! It’s a nice compliment. See, since my childhood, I have been an artiste, which might be the reason for my frolic and being talkative. My family background too counts a lot.

If not an actress, what would you have been?
My life would have been a blackout. I am madly in love with films. I am passionate about them. I could become a lawyer because. I am very good at arguing. I have respect for Indian Constitution and Judiciary.

Bindu Madhavi

Here is good news for Telugu film audience. After many years, we get to watch the splendid performance of an accha Telugu Adapilla, thanks to finer tastes of Sekhar Kammula. Let’s welcome Bindu Madhavi, our own Telugu girl who is making her debut in Tollywood with Anish Kurivilla’s Avakai Biryani. Director turned producer Sekhar Kammula has in fact handpicked her, to suit the tastes of Telugu audience. Bindu Madhavi plays the role of a saree-clad pickle seller and looks equally gorgeous in trendy apparel too. She speaks about herself, family, and passion for films in an exclusive interview to Idlebrain.com. Here are the excerpts

Tell us about your background?
I was born in Madanapalli. My father is an assistant commissioner in commercial tax department. Since he is a government employee, we had to shift to various places like Tirupati, Nellore, Guntur, Vijayawada and Hyderabad. My father is working in Hyderabad now. I did my studies from +1 onwards in Chennai. I completed my degree in bio technology now.

I have always been an average student at studies and I had an inclination towards cultural activities. I used to participate in cultural activities and win prizes in most of them. I started my modeling career with a print ad for Saravana stores sarees. Sekhar Kammula and Anish Kuruvilla saw my work in Tata Gold (Tanishq from Titan) advertisement and called me for an audition.

How did the audition go?
They gave me a 4 page intro scene of the heroine character and gave me an hour time to prepare. That scene demands various kinds of emotions. I performed in the audition and had a gut feeling that I could get selected. I got a call from them after 3 days.

You played the character of a pickle selling girl. But you look pretty sophisticated and urbane outside. How did you manage that character?
I played the character of Lakshmi – a pickle selling girl in Avakai Biryani. I might look little urbane now, but in the film you would see a village girl. As a person, I identify myself more with my character Lakshmi. I am also responsible, down to earth and independent like Lakshmi.

More over, they conducted a workshop for us for a month where we used to read out and rehearsal each and every scene. I used to perform one scene each to Sekhar Kammula and Anish Kuruvilla everyday. By the time the shooting started, I had all the dialogues by heart.

There is lot of resistance from parents for those Telugu girls who want to get into showbiz. Did you face any restrictions from parents?
I had a stiff resistance from my father when I told him that I would get into modeling and do the ramp shows. My father did not speak to me for six months. After that he understood and said that I have to return to studies if I were not successful in it. I could get nice modeling assignments in Chennai and walked in 20 ramp shows. My father encouraged me when I got an offer for Avakai Biryani because he trusts the clean image of Sekhar Kammula.

Tell us about your co-actor Kamal Kamaraju?
He is very professional. He is a perfectionist. He concentrates on all aspect when he is at sets. He is a very serious actor unlike me.

What about the director Anish Kuruvilla?
I heard that directors do shout at actors. But, Anish is a cool person. He pampers his actors a lot so that he could extract the best from us.

Any memorable incident while shooting for Avakai Biryani?

1. I am a fan of Aishwarya Rai and I heard that she really ate green chilies in order to get the real effect while doing Hum Dil Dechuke Hain Sanam. I always wanted to do such kind of feat if the scene demands. And when there is a scene in Avakai Biryani where I eat 7-8 green chilies, the director asked me to use glycerin. But it was an opportunity I was anxiously looking forward to, I ate 7-8 chilies for real and got the desired effect. But I had to suffer for the next one hour, as we could not get sugar.

2. We shot Avakai Biryani in a remote village near by Vikarabad. We operate from Vikarabad. We were traveling back to Vikarabad at 3 am after a late night shoot. Actors were sitting in a vehicle which was traveling ahead. Anish and the technical team were sitting in another car. I got a weird idea and stopped the vehicle. I got down, smeared kajal (eye make-up) all around eyes and let my hair open. When Anish’s vehicle approached, I suddenly ran into the road. The driver stopped it just an inch away. Anish got shocked and scared so much that he refused to talk to me for the next two days. He said that he would cast me as main lead if he attempts any horror film in the future.

What did you aspire to become when you were a kid?
I wanted to become airhostess when I was a kid. Then I wanted to become a pilot. After watching Coyote Ugly (2000) film, I wanted to become a bar tender. Becoming heroine is my dream and I aspired to become a model.

What are your strengths and weaknesses?
People say that my eyes are big and expressive. My big eyes help me to convey emotions in films. And I am a proud owner of lovely dimples. My weakness is that I trust people very easily.

Telugu heroines are very rare in film industry now. How do you model yourself?
My mother is a big fan of Savithri and Jayasudha. I will model myself in such a way that she would become a big fan of Savithri, Jayasudha and Bindu Madhavi. I would like to carve my own identity in Telugu film industry.

What is your dream project?
I would love to do action films like Anjelina Jolie.

Who are your favorite actors?
Pawan Kalyan, Mahesh Babu and Bhumika Chawla. I became fans of Pawan Kalyan and Bhumika Chawla after watching Kushi. I became a fan of Mahesh Babu after watching Pokiri.

Sekhar Kammula knew that I am a fan of Pawan Kalyan. He promised me a autograph from Pawan Kalyan if I do a good job in Avakai Biryani.

What is your favorite film?
Geetanjali is my all-time favorite film.

What is the best compliment you got so far?
After watching the rushes of Avakai Biryani, Sekhar Kammula said that my performance is too mature for a first-timer.

What are your hobbies?
I love playing badminton. I used to play badminton with my father since I was in 3rd class. I also do lot of swimming.

How do you handle proposals from guys?
I have two extreme natures. I am very reserved and silent with strangers and I am wacky with closed ones. Hence not many guys got that much of proximity.

How do you control your diet?
I go to gym regularly and it keeps me fit all the time. I don’t follow any diet control.

What kind of food do you like?
Since I was away from home since my +2, I am enjoying the home food cooked by mom now. When I go out, I prefer continental.