From Orugallu to small screen

Small screen star Yyamini Padma started her journey in television industry with a serial called 'Chinna Kodalu'. This was almost nine years ago, and those memories of shooting for her first project are still afresh, says Yyamini, "The feedback and response I received during 'Chinna Kodalu' is something that I will cherish for lifetime. All thanks to Zee Telugu for having me with them all those years. Audiences treated me like their family member and showered me with love. These nine years of journey has been an amazing experience. Thankfully, all the serials I have been part of are appreciated."

Born and brought up in Warangal, Yyamini is like any other Telugu girl who loves tradition and culture. Her priority, any time of the day, is her family. She is the first one to walk out from the sets, the minute she hears 'pack up' from the director. Spending some quality time with her family is the reason why she chose to take a break for a couple of years before she makes a comeback.

"Family is my priority. I come from a middle class family and I know the struggles that any parent would go through to give the best for their children. Now this is the time for me to give my best for my parents and take care of them. So I make sure I spend quality time with my parents whenever possible. I have seen many of my co-stars, who don't have time for their family. What is the point of earning so much when you cannot give them your time?" she asks.

Yyamini says that working for daily soaps is a different experience altogether. She is a classical dancer and kabaddi player as well, and, says that these skills have helped in doing the role better in 'Muthyala Muggu', a serial which gave her fame.

"From making cow dung cakes to literally rolling in mud, I did everything that my role demanded. Playing a rural girl was not so easy. We shot in one of those slum areas in Hyderabad, that too in a small room. There was no place in the locality to even come out of the room and stand. Yet, all these experiences are fun. That's what makes me love my profession so much," she adds.

Not all artistes might be comfortable with all kind of scenes. But Yyamini believes that challenging roles make her feel comfortable and says a big 'NO' to scenes that demand her to romance with her co-stars. "I agree that an artiste should be able to do anything to give her best. But how can they give the best when they aren't comfortable with something? So, before the project goes on floors, I make sure I tell the makers what I am comfortable with and what I am not."

Fans of Yyamini have been quite upset with the break she has taken. She is going to be seen on screen again with upcoming project 'Thoorpu Padamara' to be telecast on Zee Telugu.

"I don't want to bore the audiences too much. Just like I needed a break from work, even they should get a break from me (laughs). Management of Zee Telugu has always been so kind that they always have projects specially written for me. They wanted to have me back again, and so, here I am," says Yyamini, who is all set to soar high with a couple of other projects which are lined up.

Talking about casting couch in television industry, Yyamini feels lucky enough that she never have had to face it. She is always clear of what she wants and what she can give.