Interview With Kajal Agarwal

Interview With Kajal Agarwal, Kajal Agarwal Profile

Interview With Kajal Agarwal (Part 1)
Interview With Kajal Agarwal (Part 2)
KAJAL AGARWAL Profile

TELUGU ACTRESS TAAPSEE PANNU INTERVIEW

TELUGU ACTRESS TAAPSEE PANNU INTERVIEW

Already, she has been touted as the most happening heroine in Telugu cinema. And this before the release of her first Telugu film, Jhumandi Naadam, directed by none other than K Raghavendra Rao.

She also has finished a Tamil film, Aadukalam, a film directed by Vettrimaran in which she'll star alongside Dhanush.

Born and brought up in Delhi, Taapsee is a qualified engineer in computer science who has entered acting through modelling.

A Miss India winner for Best Skin, Taapsee has a number of modelling assignments, both print and television, under her belt. Tall and beautiful, Taapsee seems to have won over the film industry from the start, and already she's signed films opposite Vishnu Babu and Ravi Theja.

Her Telugu debut Jhumandi Naadam features Manoj Manchu as her co-star, and is produced by Lakshmi Manchu under the Lakshmi Prasanna banner. The film is slated for release this week.

Here's what she has to say about her role and more. Excerpts:

How did you decide to enter films? Was it a natural corollary of modelling?

Initially, I wanted to be a full-time model and never thought I could act. As time went by, modelling became not that exciting or enjoyable, as posing in front of the camera became monotonous.

Also, I felt my name was not being highlighted. The name gets highlighted only in films. One gets to do something new, meet new people every day and travel while doing films. Every day is a challenge and something new happens too. So I wanted to act.

You chose to enter cinema with a Telugu film? Why?

There was no choosing on the basis of language. It was only on the basis of the role and the technicians.

What was appealing about Jhumandi Naadam? The fact that it was being directed by K Raghavendra Rao?

When I came for the audition, I didn't know Raghavendra Rao uncle was a big name in Telugu. Only when I was about to sign the film did I realise how big he is and also the magnitude of the banner.

How different was acting in a film from modelling?

I was happy I shifted to movies. The first day was different:

We were shooting in Araku Valley. I joined the unit after they had started the shoot. Raghavendra Rao uncle and the unit people made it special. In fact I was made to sit down and Manoj stood behind me and they did the dhristi removal (nazar utarna) with the pumpkin and kapur (camphor). This was also included in the song we shot. So that was special too.

Could you talk about your role?

I play a soft-natured girl who's chirpy and sentimental. She's an NRI but brought up in the traditional way and has not faced hardships in life. She falls in love with the boy and then the twists and turns occur.

Surmounting the language barrier must have been tough...

Yes, it was initially tough. The South Indian and North Indian languages are different; the sound is different, the meaning is different. Whenever people spoke, I wondered if they were talking about me. But I was mentally prepared for it. Instead of cribbing, I started to catch words to use in my daily conversation.

I had a special AD (assistant director) and she used to write the lines in Hindi. Lakshmi (Manchu) said the lip sync should be perfect. She is my mentor. The dialogue sheet would come a day before, but at times it would be changed and then I did fumble and felt I wasted time.

You are not a trained actor. So how was it being on the sets?

Though I am not trained in acting, I have been a stage performer before. I am trained in Kathak from the age of four. I learned it for eight years under Kanika Ghosh Singh (a disciple of Birju Maharaj). After schooling, I was with Shiamak Davar's dance institute and was training to be an instructor there. I didn't want to be one though. I completed my engineering in Computer Science from Indraprastha University. My dad wanted me to study. I got placement in Infosys and was scheduled to join in August last year, but I signed my first film in the same month.


So you juggled modelling with engineering?

Modelling was possible with studies.

Did you walk the ramp?

I got so much print work that there was no time for walking the ramp. Also, I was not keen on doing it. The only time I did it was during the Miss India pageant.

How was it acting with Manoj?

Manoj is full of energy. Even on a bad day, he is on top. His energy level is tremendous. People used to talk of my high energy. So we clicked. Besides energy levels, our thought processes were also similar. His experience and professionalism is different. I learned how he changes in front of the camera. Manoj helped me a lot. He made me carry off the long emotional scenes well. Also since I was a newcomer, I was open to learning from day one

How was it being directed by K Raghavendra Rao?

Raghavendra Rao uncle is a man with a Midas touch. I am lucky to have worked with him. He has made me look beautiful and people appreciated me in the song. He is quite chilled out. Having made 105 movies, he knows the pluses and minuses of his artists. He never caused me stress. Once while I was preparing to tackle a three-page dialogue he asked me, 'Why are you stressing yourself? We'll shoot and pack up when you want to.'

Could tell us something about the experience of working on Jhumandi Naadam?

I was treated like a star from day one. Since the technical crew was experienced, they had a good rapport and they made me feel like one of them. They were encouraging and complimented and appreciated my performance.

On the third day while shooting a song, Raghavendra Rao uncle gave me and Manoj a complimentary Rs 1000 note with 'Best Wishes' signed on it. He also said 'You'll go a long way in your career'.

Many compliments followed, which were a major source of encouragement. Whenever I got ready, he used to give me a look of approval. He would say 'You don't have to put on makeup to look good. You are one of the most beautiful heroines I have worked with.' That was a huge compliment.

You are being talked about as one of the happening heroines even before the film released...

Till a week ago I was happy and excited. Film offers are pouring in. Media is writing good things about me. There is good talk about me in the industry, and this shows in the offers too.

I have finalised my third film with Ravi Theja. I have three films before I am launched. It's just about dawning on me and now I am having panic/anxiety attacks as expectations are high. People have taken a risk by signing me as a lead heroine. I am scared of the hype as one shouldn't fall below expectations.


Success and failure are part of this industry. How are you equipped to face this?

I can't expect all my films to be super hits. I'll give each shot my best. I don't know what the audience will like. I will make sure I get noticed and appreciated, even if the film doesn't do well.

Was convincing your parents tough when you wanted to enter films?

My mom wanted me to enter films. My dad wanted me to do engineering, and I ended up passing with distinction. So I told him, 'I always did what you wanted me to do. I want one year to do what I want to do. If it doesn't work, I'll get back to what you wanted'.

Do you think winning the Miss Beautiful Skin title at the Miss India pageant was your passport to fame, modelling and now movies?

Not at all. Lakshmi didn't know about my winning the title. Many others didn't have any clue of my background. I had to tell them.

Are you doing a film with Prabhas directed by Dasarath?

Yes, I have a film with Prabhas produced by Dil Raju where I play a tomboy character. I am doing one with Vishnu produced by Mohan Babu uncle and directed by Hemanth Madhukar (his directorial debut), where I play a simple girl, and a film with Ravi Theja directed by Ramesh Varma.

Are you open to doing films in other languages?

Yes, I have shot a Tamil film Aadukalam back-to-back with Jhumandi Naadam. Aadukalam has Madurai backdrop and I play an Anglo-Indian girl. The character is from the middle class and faces an identity crisis. Her parents are troubling her to settle in Australia. Vettrimaran (director of Polladhavan) directs it and I act with Dhanush.


How did you manage with Tamil?

It was more difficult because I had to learn the Madurai dialect. Also one was going back and forth between Telugu and Tamil. The characters are different. I am a glam doll in the Telugu one, while in Tamil I hardly wear makeup.

How do you take care of your skin? And what's your fitness and beauty regimen like?

I am blessed with good skin. I fear makeup and don't wear it during public appearances. I have no fixed plan as far as skin is concerned. I make sure I eat a balanced diet -- fruits and vegetables. I eat only when I'm hungry.

One shouldn't restrict oneself by overeating or eating less. I have a dancing background, so my fitness is taken care of. Even now as and when I get time, I dance.

Sonal Chauhan Hot Gallery & Profile Interview

Favourite Designer: Roberto Cavalli

At home we would find you in: Track/linen pants or shorts and a T-shirt

Bags: Gucci

Shoes: Jimmy Choo, Gucci, Ferragamo, Prada, Fendi

Shades: Gucci, LV, Prada

Hangout: Zenzi and Aurus

Music: A R Rahman's music

Favourite authors: Paulo Coelho, Brian Weiss

Favourite dish: Anything with chicken in it

Cook? Bake cakes

Pets: Love puppies. Direct way to my heart!

Weakness: Shopping. It's actually therapy for me when I am tired or in a bad mood. It helps me to get back into the groove.

She is chic, chilled out and classy. But trust me (or better, trust the oomphy photos in this spread), this babe is like a simmering volcano -- she can erupt in molten appeal when she decides to.

Better known as the Jannat girl, Sonal Chauhan started her Bollywood career starring opposite Emraan Hashmi in the Mahesh Bhatt sleeper hit from summer '08.

But from being the fresh faced girl in that thriller-romance set in the backdrop of cricket betting, to working with (and liking) someone like Saif Ali Khan, she surely has come a long way.

Currently working in painter M F Husain's son Owais Husain's directorial debut Punjab 69, Sonal says she never plans stuff in life for "when I do, it never works out."

Has life changed for you after Jannat?

Yes. For the better, I believe. I get paid more as an actor than I did as a model. I enjoy acting and am trying to make a place for myself. I hope people appreciate my future films as much as they did Jannat.

'Normal girl' is an understatement when you have been the face of Ponds and have won the international Miss Tourism title.

Being a model is different. Only few people recognise you whereas an actor has mass appeal. As a model, life is good but as an actor you live a larger than life experience and it is better. Since my first film released on my birthday I believe it was the best birthday gift I could get.

How is it working with M F Husain's son Owais on your new film?

Owais is an artist. The first time he narrated the script to me it felt as if he was painting his characters on a canvas. Punjab 69 is a love story and has been shot with the sensitivity of an artist. Anurag Sinha from Subhash Ghai's Black and White is paired opposite me and the film has been shot by cinematographer Santosh Sivan. We shot in Chandigarh for 40 days and I just didn't feel like coming back. I bonded well with Owais's sister and wife.

Did you get a chance to interact with M F Husain? What was your experience?

Hussain saab is passionate about film-making and is very fond of Owais, his youngest child. They were in touch on SMS. As he was missing the whole experience, we would update him.

What else in a man turns you on?

I like men who smell good, and have good breath. They should respect women. I would like to date someone who is secure and confident -- a man like Saif Ali Khan.

Saif is a very dignified human being. He is comfortable in his own space and respects his girlfriend, Kareena. He lets her be, is not insecure about her and the best part is that he is not scared to admit to the world that he is madly in love with her. That is great. I would want to have a man like that.

Since Owais is an artist, were you exposed to art during the film?

Art runs in his blood. So, yes I was. We did discuss paintings and famous artists. We also had a lot of shayari on the sets. Owais and his assistant director would make up poems on the weather, sometimes they would dedicate a poem to me. I loved that; it was flattering.

Does the written word turn you on?

Yes. I love it when poetry is written for me. I have tried writing it myself. Recently, at my sister's urging I have started to write a diary. It's fun. I enjoy writing in it. It's like exploring a new side of yourself. Conversations are also important. If a man can't have an engaging conversation, I lose interest pretty fast.

You don't have one in your life right now?

[Chuckles] I am single.

I believe in soul mates. For months now I have been reading books on the subject; so maybe, it's a sign from God. If there is something like soul mates I would like to find mine. They say if you look into a person's eyes you know if it is him.

What kind of men do you like?

I find men in uniform -- navy or army -- very attractive. They have this aura about them. I respect these men who put their lives at stake for us. Playing with their lives, saving the country. My father is in the police.

When anything goes wrong in the country we blame the police force but when things are going well no one praises them. Even during the 26/11 terrorist attacks in Mumbai, we were scared even to step out of our homes. At times like this, these men show no fear. Imagine what their families go through. When one of them dies in in the line of duty, we give their families some money. Is that enough? Everyone needs to think about this and do something.

After the terrorist attacks, when I went for the peace march at the Gateway of India, I was so moved. When we saluted them, the commandos waved at us. That respect meant a lot to them. I had goose bumps all over my body and tears in my eyes.

Telugu Actress PRIYANKA KOTARI Interview, Photo Gallery

Have you come across any cheesy pick-up lines? As long as you carry yourself with dignity nobody can take advantage of you.

Who is your favourite style icon? Megan Fox, because she is really sexy and carries herself with so much dignity.

What do you like most about Ram Gopal Verma? He is very clear about what he wants and he makes every character look realistic

How comfortable are you with the bikini look in the film? Wearing bikinis is not about having a slim figure. It is about having the right body language and facial expressions. Most heroines wear bikinis these days, but it is not everyone's cup of tea. And those who have a problem with me wearing a bikini, are simply jealous of me. Obviously because they cannot carry the look. But in real-life, I can't even wear a mini skirt; I'm very self-conscious and I transform in front of the camera.

Are you comfortable being called 'hot' and 'sexy'? Of course, people call me cute, hot, pretty and sexy because I am all that on screen. But in real life I am a bundle of emotions. I am a director's actor and I do whatever the director demands of me for the role.

What scares you the most? My mom's anger; I am very scared of her when she screams at me.

Did anything in the jungle scare you while shooting? Yes, I was living with 10 lizards and five frogs in my room. This was in the jungles of Sri Lanka. One day a monkey entered my room and stole my jewellery box. I guess one Sri Lankan monkey is very rich today.

How did you manage to look sexy in the jungle in Agyaat? That's a secret. But generally I do a lot of yoga, exercise and try to think positive at all times.

What's sexier: Nisha or Priyanka? Definitely Priyanka, it was a mistake to have chosen Nisha for a name. I was new in the industry and everyone asked me to have a new name. Hence I went with my screen name in James that was Nisha. My father got agitated and asked me to change my name immediately.

After most of your RGV films turned out to be debacles, do you still hope that Agyaat will resurrect your career? Definitely. We do films with the hope that they become successes, right?

Why did you disappear after Go? I took time off to analyze and study myself. I worked on my diction and dialogue-delivery during the course. I signed on Agyaat after a long time because it gave me some scope to perform.

Telugu Actress Anushka Shetty Interview in e tv abt Arundathi

Telugu Actress Colors 'SWATI' Interview

She is young, bubbly, sassy and perhaps the most precious find for the Telugu Film Industry in the recent years. It's Colors Swati for you, who brought a young presence to the small screen with her chat show Colors on Maa TV couple of years back. The year 2008 proven to be lucky for this Visakhapatnam girl. Besides stabilizing her position with Tollywood in the role of Lavanya in Ashta Chemma she also stepped in to Kollywood with Subramaniyapuram. Currently riding high on the crest of success wave, Swati gives an exclusive interview to idlebrain.com. Here are the excerpts.

Background:
I was born in Vladivostok (USSR). My father worked for the Indian Navy and he was then posted in USSR as a submariner. The Russian lady doctor named me as ‘Svetlana’ which means ‘beautiful girl’ but mom changed it to Swati.

We shifted to Bombay and then we moved to the Eastern Naval Command in Vizag. I spent most of my childhood in Vizag. We shifted to Hyderabad when I was in my 11th standard. I had some free time after EAMCET and my aunt Lakshmi Medapati was doing a program for MAA TV and she wanted me to do a promo. I was not interested. I was not very familiar with Telugu as I was brought up in the Naval community where we would communicate mostly in Hindi and English. She took me to the studio and the make-up irritated me. They asked me to talk about movies. I talked about Spider man, Vizag beach and necklace road. Everybody started clapping after I finished the test and I wondered why. Adavi Srinivas from MAA TV called my mother and told her that he is planning a program called ‘Colors’ and wanted me to host that program. I started it as time pass and did more than 150 episodes. It started with a 30 minute slot on Wednesday. Then it was shifted to 30-minute slot on Saturday. With the popularity it gained, Colors program was given 1-hour prime spot on Sunday in less than two months of its first episode.

I joined bio technology course at St. Mary’s in Yusuf Guda. I liked the atmosphere in that college, because they do not give any extra attention to celebrities and popular faces. I did quite well in studies and am extremely thankful to all my teachers, especially my chemistry teacher Shobha ma’am and the prinicpal Mahender Reddy of St.Mary’s who always supported and encouraged me.

I got many film offers the moment I started anchoring Colors program. I had just turned 17 then and I was too young to do films. I had zero inclination towards acting in films. I wanted to finish my graduation. At the same time I kept my loyalties to Colors program and MAA TV. Every program comes with a shelf life and I decided to discontinue Colors program when it was highly popular.

After completion of 1st year of graduation, I got an offer to make my debut in Danger. It was a nice package to debut. Krishna Vamsi had taken permission from my principal. After 2nd year, I accepted AMAV (Adavari Matalaku Ardhalu Verule). After 3rd year, I did Subramanyapuram (Tamil) and Ashta Chemma.

What did you want to become when you were a kid?
I wanted to become a doctor, and once when I went to the circus as kid I got so overwhelmed with it that I wanted to join the circus and run away with them. I also loved the way lady naval officers looked in their uniforms. I wanted to join defense. Now I realize that I landed in the right profession because I will get an opportunity to do all the roles I aspired to become.

Do you like being called as ‘Colors’ Swati?
I do agree that Colors got me immense recognition. But I want to be called as Swati. I would like to have an identity for myself. I don’t want people to associate me with any of the work I have done. When people call me ‘colors’ in public, I refuse to acknowledge them.

What is the difference between anchoring and acting?
In colors program, only two people are involved. One is me and the other one is the caller. But, our conversation should entertain many people who are no way connected with both of us. In order to entertain, I had to appear highly energetic and hyperactive. And just because I appear hyperactive, people might think that I am that kind of a person in real life. I could speak crazy stuff and get away with it in ‘colors’ program. But acting is more serious and complex job.

So how different is real Swati compared to the characters you have done on TV and big screen?
I am a bundle of contradictions. It also depends on the person I am with and the mood I am in. I am little bit of every thing.

What is your current status?
I have completed my graduation. All the directors I have worked with have advised me not take my talent for granted and had asked me to give acting a serious shot and now I have decided I should continue working in films. It is very difficult to reach the position I am in now. I should make use of it. I did four different characters in four films. I am proud of them.

How do you do acting?
The whirling sound of camera when it rolls is the one that triggers the actor in me. I go to a different space when camera rolls.

I feel that filmmaking is a team work. All of us should contribute our best in order to make a film happen. Even if a light boy does a bad job, it reflects on the film. One individual can cause damage to the entire product. Hence I try to be perfect on my side all the time.

Which is the most watched film among yours?
I watched Asta Chemma five times. I remember watching Ashta Chemma in a packed theater for 10:30 pm show. We did not have a place to sit. We were standing and looking at the reactions of audiences instead of watching the screen. It was such a gratifying experience watching the audiences getting entertained by our films.

Tell us about your parents?
Ours is a closely knit family. I have an elder brother Siddharth. My dad works for the Merchant Navy now. My mother always stood by me. My parents are very supportive and very friendly. There is lot of communication among us. I am blessed and very fortunate to have such a supportive family. Touchwood!

What is your take on gossips?
People think that films are easy but it is the exact opposite. Most people’s lives thrive on films (watching and gossiping). Ours is such a field where anybody can criticize. I do take criticism in the right spirit but it also depends on who is giving it and I am growing to a level where I am not perturbed by malicious gossips.

Are you a fan of Mahesh Babu in real life too?
I am not a frantic fan to anybody. That kind of obsession comes in your teens. I was in showbiz in my teens years and I got a chance to meet all the film celebrities personally.

Your best work till date?
I give my best to all my films, each one is special in its own way.

You dubbed your voice to Ileana in Jalsa. Tell us about it?
I treat dubbing as a valuable profession. I feel that it is as challenging as acting. I do perform while doing dubbing in a dubbing theater.

What do you do in your spare time?
I prefer lazying around at home, reading, writing and doing my own thing.

What kind of books do you read?
I loved reading Gone with the wind, Crime & Punishment, Anthem and am still reading Anna Karenina. I read books of Sidney Sheldon, Robin Cook, Jeffrey Archer, John Grisham, Arthur Hayley, Lin Yutang for light reading but I also love reading Paulo Cohelo, Ayn Rand and many more, the list can go on. If I like a book by an author, I try and read the entire collection of that author, though it’s not easy and I enjoyed the entire collection of Harry Potter.

What do you write?
I do blog. But I don’t want to reveal the address of my blog. I do blog when I am upset or happy. I love writing long e-mails to communicate and to stay in touch, but only to friends and dear ones.

What is your opinion on movies made on books?
It depends. Ashta Chemma was beautifully interpreted, all thanks to Mohan Krishna, but usually we get much bigger impression when we read books. I saw the Harry Potter film. But I like Harry Potter book much better.

What kind of films did you watch when you were kid?
Mary Poppins, Sound of Music, almost all the films by Mani Ratnam, Arth, Damini, Mausum, Mr. India and Kshanakshanam to name a few. Mr. India, Anjali, Mayabazaar and ET were my favorite films when I was a kid.

What kind of films you want to do in future?
I am getting very good offers but most of them are coming to be with a preconceived notion that I am capable of doing only certain kind of roles. I don’t want to go by public image. I want to do different films.

Who are your favorite actresses?
It changes with movies. I like certain actresses in certain films.

Do you want to say anything to the visitors of idlebrain.com?
I request everybody not to encourage piracy. Thank you.

source

Tollywood Celebrity 'Parvathy Omanakuttan' Interview

Parvathy Omanakuttan, who won the first Runner Up title at the 2008 Miss World pageant in Johannesburg, is the aspiring beauty queen from Kerala. She was felicitated by Fashion and Film Talent Association (FFTA) yesterday at a function held in Hotel Novotel while she visited Hyderabad. The function was organized by First Copy Productions. After the event Parvathy had a small chit-chat with the press and media at Hitex. Some excerpts –

While in Johannesburg on a week’s tour with other Miss World contestants, I had a great experience. Although I was a little disappointed when they announced my name as runner-up, it took me few seconds to realize that my dream has come true. Yes! I’m still a winner for the people and it is an amazing journey for me all the way from Kerala to Johannesburg.

Speaking about her interest in films the twenty year old Parvathy said “I’m open to Bollywood as well as Southern Film Industries. Infact, waiting for good opportunities which can fetch me more of performance oriented roles. I was brought up in Mumbai and basically I’m a movie buff, hence I watch lot of Hindi films and Malayalam, being my mother tongue I watch Malayalam films as well. Though I have little knowledge about Telugu and Tamil films, I watch them too. Well, to mention about my favourite actors, I like Amitabh Bachchan, Abhishek and Hrithik Roshan in Hindi, Mammooty and Prithviraj in Malayalam, Nagarjuna and Mahesh Babu in Telugu and Rajinikanth in Tamil.


Talking about the people in South she said that in early days most of the families used to be very traditional and follow their customs. Girls from such families were never exposed much to the world. Hence they had a wrong notion about the film and fashion industry. But off late the trend has changed. We find our Southern girls at par with girls from North giving tough competition.

Advising the upcoming models, “Smile is the best medicine to keep ourselves healthy. It is advisable for anyone not to experiment with their body especially their skin and hair. The love, affection, humility, respect and caring nature are the symbols of perfect beauty. Along with these qualities, how we carry ourselves with the body language is most important. Beauty is a mixture of inner moral qualities and outer appearance” said the sexy queen Parvathy.

Lastly speaking about her personal interest, “My passion is music and dance. I love Hyderabad and am fond of Charminar and Chudi Bazaar. Not to speak of the delicious Hyderabadi food”.

Telugu Actress SONIA Says I like my Hair

Frank speak Sonia doesn’t want to be typecast

Sonia is two films old and is already being flooded with offers. The first thing that strikes you about her is her beautiful curls. “I did try straightening my hair when I was in college and I do so even today when I’m invited for functions; but otherwise, I like my hair to be plain and simple,” she says, as she settles down for the interview. Sonia and her co-star Krishnudu are all over the hoardings in the city and she is more than happy with the response the big fat love story, Vinayakudu has received.

“After the preview I was concerned because the response was a little below expectations. People don’t usually sit through lengthy movies; they get bored. Vinayakudu is very different from the regular love stories; of course the theme has been dealt with earlier in movies like Kobbari Bondam and Kitakitalu. But in other films the overweight person is usually exaggerated; the character is not handled well. The emotional quotient is ignored and we tend to focus more on the fun element. This film has given a lot of importance to the human angle,” she explains.

Sonia is falling into the trap of playing a girl throwing a lot of attitude. There are similar shades to the character she portrayed in Happy Days and Vinayakudu. Sonia replies, “As soon as your first film is released what you get next is not variety. So you tend to pick the best out of the subjects given to you. In Happy Days, Sravs was straight forward, had an attitude but in Vinayakudu it was the arrogance that was highlighted. At the moment I’m in a confused state of mind. I’m trying to get a foothold in the industry. I want to give myself some time and space to think, to decide.”


She adds that if she wanted her career to take the parallel cinema route she would have selected only such subjects and gone the Konkona Sen way but as of now she doesn’t mind running around trees too. “Like Tabu, I want to strike a balance between different genres,” she says. “People can think in different ways too. I have long hair, then suddenly I chop it really short. People might find it awkward initially but over a period of time they will be fine with that too. I don’t want to be typecast.”

Sonia hails from a joint family in Hyderabad. A graduate in computer applications, she had worked in MNCs and movies happened to her by chance. She says a career in acting has given her the freedom to explore. “When I was young, my parents pushed me to do something creative; I was too lazy then. Later on, I wanted to genuinely pursue my hobbies. Movies give me space, time and freedom to work. I’m enjoying this phase and learning as far as opportunities in acting is concerned.”

Actress ' Reema Sen ' Interview

Telugu Actress ' Reema Sen ' Interview

She is beautiful, glamorous, warm and friendly. All the heroes and directors in Kollywood who have worked with her will vouch for her friendliness and frankness.

Anyone who has met the charming Reema Sen will tell you that she has the knack to make you feel special and at ease.

It’s been two years since her last release Vallavan hit the screens, but the actress is still a hot favourite of all Kollywood directors who want to sign her up. What makes Reema special?
The actress concentrates on one film at a time. For the last few months, Reems, as she is called by friends, has been shooting for Selvaraghavan’s magnum opus Aayirathil Oruvan in various locations from the deserts of Jaisalmer to the forests of Kerala. She now opens up to Chennai Times.

You seem to have disappeared from Kollywood. For the last few months, you have been keeping away from the media, why?
It’s true that I have not had a release in two years. I have been keeping a low profile for the simple reason that I haven’t had anything to talk about. For the last one year, I have been shooting, for one film — Selvaraghavan’s Aayirathil Oruvan. We have shot for over 200 days in various locations across India. I’m enjoying every bit of it, though the terrain has been inhospitable and the weather conditions extreme.

The never ending shooting of the film has been a bit of a joke in the industry.Who cares? I will boldly say Aayirathil Oruvan is truly a spectacular action adventure moving from the 13th century to the present day. It is an attempt by Selva to do a different sort of film on a big canvas. I have almost given two years of my life for the film.

For a commercial star like you, spending two years on a single project could prove suicidal for your career. What do you say?
Many of my friends in the industry have echoed similar sentiments and said I was a fool to give bulk dates. Do you think I would do it if I’m not convinced by Selva’s script and narration?

The buzz is that your movie has been inspired by the Indiana Jones series and Lara Croft’s Tomb Raider...
It’s utter nonsense. Does anybody other than the actors working in the film know the story to make their comments? Let people speculate till the film releases.

How has it been to work with Karthi, who is doing his second film?
The guy is amazing. He understands cinema and is a perfect actor. He is sharp and grounded and I guess it will take him a long way.

There have been reports of ‘Selva torturing you on the sets’ of the film?
Selva is a very demanding director on the sets. Unless he is convinced, he will not okay a shot. He screams, cajoles and pampers to get the scene right. I’m cool with it.

What about Andrea?
The grapevine has it that during the shoot, you were taking potshots at each other, as she was the director’s favourite and he was extending her role?
I don’t know what you are talking about. Andrea and I are ok, though we are not great friends.

The rumour mill has it that Vishal, with whom you did back-to-back hit films, is still crazy about you?
(Laughs) It happened a long time back in Bethlehem, and is more of a media creation. Vishal and his brother Vicky were my good friends and we used to party together along with our group of friends. During Sathyam promotions, he told the media that his dream date was Reema Sen. Well, I guess he has the freedom to say what he wants. I will not react to such things.

Do you like to party?
I like to chill with my good friends Shriya and Trisha. Shriya stays a stone’s throw away from my apartment in Mumbai. All of us gel well and on occasions, we like to party.

A t the Filmfare party, Nayanthara looked through you at the lobby of the hotel where both of you were staying. Please comment...
If people lack basic etiquettes, I can’t help it. I did a film with her, but we were never good friends.

The buzz in Kollywood is that you are doing a very glamorous role and looking sexy in revealing clothes in Aayirathil Oruvan. Please comment.
(Laughs) There is a difference between sensuality and sexuality. All I can say is that it is not like I have worn a two-piece swimsuit and walked out of a pool. Yes, I have a very different look. I have lost weight as I wanted a size zero fit for the film as the script demanded it.

What after Aayirathil Oruvan?
I will be doing more films in Tamil next year. At the moment, I’m onlY committedPriyadarshan’s Malamal Weekly 2 for Percept.

source:timesofindia

Telugu Actress Bindu Madhavi Interview

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

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.

Would you like to give out your orkut profile address for the visitors of idlebrain.com?
My Orkut profile is “Unanticipation Blow”. I have chosen that name because I love giving unanticipated surprises to my friends.

source

Bollywood Actress Sameera Reddy Interview

Telugu Actress Sameera Reddy interview

A home in Chennai?
I love everything about Chennai — place, food, and people. I’m very close to my family and will stay wherever my family stays. So, I am unlikely to relocate from Bombay, but certainly wouldn’t mind a second house in Chennai.

Both Gautham Menon and Surya have talked a lot about Nenjukkul Peidhidum (in Vaaranam Aayiram). How did you feel doing the song?
I really enjoyed it. It was a whole new experience for me; we shot it on a train. It is a modern new age song with expression and simplicity.

Did you relate to this song, which is about love at first sight? Do you believe in it?
Yes I did. Yes I do!

Did you have a problem about Vaaranam Aayiram being a three-heroine subject?
No, I had no problem whatsoever. I loved my role as well as the script. It was a very performance-oriented role.
I’m a big fan of Kakha Kakha. And it’s great to be a part of Surya’s film.

Do you find Surya hot?
My first reaction was that he is a very sweet and down-to-earth person. He is good at what he does. The six-pack just adds the icing on the cake.

You’ve worked in the film industries of several regions. Which one did you most enjoy working in?
It’s got to be Hindi all the way.

You Reddy sisters are a formidable trio when it comes to talent and fame. How well do you bond with Sushma and Meghana?
I am very close to both of them. I seek advice from both, depending on the situation. But at the end of the day, we are three strong-headed independent women with totally different personalities.

You had once said you are a one-man-woman? Is that still valid?
Oh yes. I still stand by that strongly.


After Musafir, you had vowed never to get into erotic scenes again? Has there been a rethink on that?
No, there’s no rethink at all. I entered the industry with the Aur Ahista video by Pankaj Udhas and people loved me in it. I played a simple girl. So, I don’t see any reason why they should be any change of stance. As far as the audience goes, they will like even a saree-clad female in a modern movie if they are talented and have performed well.

You are often called the desi J Lo...
I like dancing and I love J Lo. I love her music, her style. Being compared to her is a matter of honour and privilege.

Are catfights common in Bollywood?
Catfights are common and even I was dragged into it once. But I try to stay as far away from it as is possible in this industry.

We’ve heard you have a terrific nose for business...
My first love is business. I have a lot of ideas in mind but I will step into it when the time is right.

You often walk in your sleep. Tell us any incident we haven’t heard before on this.
We stay on the ninth floor and I used to walk in my sleep towards the big window in the hall. This frightened my parents so much that they ended up putting grills and started double locking the windows!

You’re cagey discussing the men in your life...
I never discuss my private life. Because once you talk about it, people stop focussing on your work and pay more attention to your personal affairs.

There were reports that you and cricketer Ishant Sharma were getting close...
It’s not true. I was just supporting SRK in the IPL where I met Ishant. I spoke to him a couple of times and the media just hyped it.

You had a huge Salman fixation when you were a kid. Have you outgrown that?
My all time favourite is Salman but recently, the new Khan on the block has caught my fancy. Yes, I am talking about Imran Khan.

Tell us about your mobile game you own/created...
I’m crazy about gaming. It was a great honour to be the Bollywood name on a video game. The game made on me is called Sam's Mission, a video game for mobile phones that includes special effects, fights and more. I play a warrior princess who has to fight savages in an ancient Indian city.

We’ve heard how Surya had to perch himself on a stool when shooting with you...
That’s not true... Surya did no such thing. My height was and never has been a problem. We have tall guys in the industry too.

You are still to break into the big league. Is this a conscious decision of playing it steady, slow and strategically?
I like to play challenging roles and I believe in playing it steady. And I have been accepted as a talented person. The Nagesh Kukunoor and Priyadarshan movies in my kitty are proof enough of my talent.


You’ve met George Clooney...
He is the most charming man I have ever met. I was completely stumped by his youthful exuberance and witty nature. We met at the Toronto festival and I had two movies being showcased at the festival and the best part is Clooney knew that. He complimented me for the same.

We have often heard of your Vijay Mallya connection. Are you related?
Yes, we are. But we are distantly related. He is my mom’s second cousin. I am very close to him because, like him, I too am crazy about cars and business.

source:timesofindia