Carving new paths

Tamannaah Bhatia needs no introduction. The diva has been ruling the hearts of her fans and garnering accolades for her performance since a long time. Apart from acting Tamannaah is also known for her sizzling performances on the stage. After her stellar act in the magnum opus ‘Baahubali’ the actress will be seen next in ‘Naa Nuvve’ with Kalyan Ram. Tamannaah is also paired opposite Megastar Chiranjeevi in the upcoming Indian period film ‘Sye Raa Narasimha Reddy’.

Excerpts:

Tell us about upcoming film ‘Naa Nuvve’.
‘Naa Nuvve’ is essential a love story and I haven’t done love story since a long time. To me it was a fresh experience. The way me and Kalyan Ram were portrayed is like launching someone really, that was primarily because of PC Sreeram sir holding the camera. Working with him is a huge experience because somebody who has been there for so long in the industry and working under his cinematography was amazing. I remember the first schedule of shoot, when I was extremely sick with flu that lasted for a month.

I didn’t know how I managed because I was feeling so down and that’s when the “Chini Chiniki” song was shot. I thought that the song would turn out to be dull because of my sickness, but when the promo was out it looked so fresh and good. I know that Kalyan Ram has done lot of action films and this was something out of his way.

I am glad that being in the mainstream commercial he thought of doing something like this. Jayendra sir is a senior director who has ruled the Ad world. And PC sir and Jayendra sir go a long way. They have an amazing understanding. The combination was nice, and I am happy to be a part of the movie.

Your upcoming movie ‘Queen’ is the remake of the blockbuster hit of Hindi film of the same name. Do you see putting yourself in the shoes of Kangana Ranaut?
It is not really trying to do what Kangana did, but at the same time, it’s keeping the essence and impact of the original film in the Telugu version. The interesting element in a remake is that there is only one person remaking a film in different languages. Every person has a different perception of the film so it’s going to be interesting.

You are playing a lead role in ‘Beti Padhao Beti Bachao’. Tell us about that.
‘Beti Padhao Beti Bachao’ is the initiative of our Prime Minister. The film that is made is primarily an awareness film and not a feature film; it’s not a documentary either. Many people have misunderstood it as a feature film and I am doing a small part in it. I am also a part of the initiative and I am throwing light on what the scenario is.

‘Baahubali’ was one of your biggest performances in the film industry. Do you think your future projects would have the same impact?
I hope and wish that happens because I think as an actor you want to do something different and be a part of bigger films. For me I think essentially ‘Baahubali’ will be extremely special because this film is once in a lifetime kind of opportunity where we get to play larger than life characters. I hope and think to get something bigger, but the place of ‘Baahubali’ will always be the way it is.

You have started your career with doing item numbers. How difficult was it to get a lead role?
I was probably the first one among the leading ladies to do this. I love to dance when we do these songs we are beautifully portrayed. There was a lot of stigma around that once you start doing item numbers your career ends, but I never understood the angle of it and I thought that if you can dance and enjoy it then why not? I think people of course like me dancing on screen and there is more curiosity about me amongst people about what would be my next song and dance number. I feel good about it and personally, enjoy dancing. It’s like a personal satisfaction.

Who in the film industry is difficult to work with?
I haven’t really come across someone who I find difficult to work with. And if I find it that difficult I probably do not interact with those people. I had a very comfortable work experience with everyone I worked with and that’s the reason I work. I think we must first do our own job. Once you do your own job the other person would not matter because eventually we are a part of the team and we must give our best.

What difference do you find in the Telugu, Tamil and Hindi film industries?
They are just different languages of the Indian films. I think the line between the industries is slowly blurring because at one point in time people have a severe demarcation between these industries. It slowly is blurring out and people are actually watching different language movies which are being easily acceptable as they want to be entertained. It is only the content that matters.

You have worked with the top Tollywood actors. Who is the best amongst them?
I do not have any favourites as such, but I have friends like Prabhas, Shruthi. I have immense respect for what the actors do. It’s childish to choose someone who is my favourite. I think they are all great people and each one of them has achieved a lot.

Do you think Sri Reddy’s stand on the casting couch was right?
No! It is really stupid and a very childish thing to do. I think people work because they are good at what they do and there is no other reason. People can’t put crores on someone one who is not good and generate money. Apart from this being an art, filmmaking is a business so you can’t be impulsive about it. It’s a methodical, well-planned and organised industry. It’s not like what people think of it.

What is your dream project?
I am interested in biopics and really want to do them. I am looking forward to getting more scripts where I play real characters, real people or people who have made a difference and have an interesting journey. And that is something that is exciting for me right now.

What is the best compliment you have ever received?
For me the most memorable one would definitely be when I was shooting with Charan for ‘‘Vana Vana’’ and that’s when Chiranjeevi garu came on sets and he told me that he was really happy the way I performed the song because it was his song. It always stayed with me and encouraged me. I am a huge fan of his work and he is a natural dancer. I have always look up to him and I am really happy that I am sharing screen with him in ‘Sye Raa…’ so it is like a full round.