BANGALORE: Talent always finds many takers. Case in point is our very own Bangalore girl Kruthika Jayakumar who caught the attention of a Malalayam director during one of her dance performances. The newbie took to tinseltown with a Telugu film Dhrusyam with Venkatesh and Meena in the lead. The film is currently doing well at the box office. Now she is part of Preetham Gubbi's Boxer and plays the lead opposite Dhananjay.
Interestingly, Kruthika is currently in her Class 12. She spoke to City Express while she was getting ready to go to college.
On Preetham, choosing her over many other faces, she says, "I didn't expect to be a part of the film industry. To be selected for a role by a very good director, I guess I consider myself lucky."
Being a classical dancer and performing all over India, it was director Balu Kriyath who spotted her in Trivandram and told her and her parents that she should get into films, Kruthika admits. "He thought I was extremely photogenic and very expressive. Later we heard that casting for Telugu film Dhrusyam was happening and I auditioned and got through. My first film just paved the way, I guess. I got a lot of calls from a lot of directors and Preetham was among them who called. When he approached, I read the story and really liked it and accepted the offer," she adds.
Kruthika does have a responsible role in Boxer as she plays a blind girl. How does the newbie plan to go about the character? "I looked into the fact that I have a meaty character, a bit of glamour, and something worth doing on screen. To play a blind girl is challenging and I like to live up to challenges. It started with Dhrusyam where I had to play a role with a lot of emotions. Likewise, I have a lot to do in Boxer too and that's why I took it up," she says.
The actress is however firm on studying further. She says, "I am a very good student and do want to study further. Now that movies have fallen in my lap, I am willing to work towards a career. I hope it all works out and I can balance both perfectly," says Kruthika, who is a science student.
"My college is extremely supportive. I shot Dhrusyam during holidays so I didn't face any problems. I spoke to the principal and she is very supportive. Back at home, my mother is my backbone and I don't think, I could do anything without her. My parents have been a source of great encouragement to me," she adds.
Kruthika will start shooting for Boxer from August 20.
Director's cut
Interestingly Preetham is yet to meet Kruthika in person. He has not even watched her Telugu film Dhrusyam. He chose her only by seeing her pictures. "I was not looking for a regular face for the role. It is not a regular film character. She plays a blind girl for which, I needed someone who looks innocent. I saw that in her. Later I got to know that Kruthika had acted in Dhrusyam and she has been getting great reviews about her performance. It made it more easy for me. It is now my responsibility to mould her into the character," he says.