The journey from Wolverhampton in the UK to Punjabi films in India was apparently not enough for the young and energetic Mandy Takhar, who is now debuting in Tamil as well.
The actor is thrilled that Biriyani is going to be her launch pad and admits, “When I got a call from Venkat Prabhu I was thrilled! After all, the South is where Rajnikanth comes from! So I couldn’t wait to start working here!”
Apparently, it was a random Google search for fresh faces by the director that landed her the role. “Venkat saw my photos in my only Hindi film, Bumboo, and liked what he saw.
My work profile in Punjabi films further convinced him and I was on!” says the actor, who is currently promoting her Punjabi film Tu Mera 22 Mein Tera 22.
So far, Mandy has been having a fun time on the sets. She says, “It’s great to have such a good launch pad. The role I play in Biriyani is completely different from what I do in Punjabi films, where I’m the sweet girl-next-door, covered from head to toe! In Biriyani I have a stylishly, sensuous persona, conveyed through my look, mannerisms and dialogues. It was a real challenge because it brought me out of my comfort zone.
I had to really work on it!” Hansika is the heroine opposite Karthi, but Mandy reveals that hers is a crucial role, a turning point in the film, for which she allotted 20 days of shooting.
When Mandy is not on the sets with the team, she is busy gorging on food, especially Biriyani.
“I have to put on weight for the role,” she explains. Describing the team, she says, “They are professionals and experts at their craft. Venkat is soft-spoken and gives me freedom to improvise.
Karthi is a thorough gentleman, friendly and caring. He wants to give his best shot every time and I would try to match his energy in every scene! Premgi is fun-loving and his expressions are brilliant. Comedy is not easy, but he does it so naturally!”
Mandy has shot for a song called Mississippi to which she has danced. “Karthi and Premgi have sung that number. It’s so sensual and fun, and is going to be a hit for sure,” she says.
The actor says that she has tried out a pole dance for the song. So does she plan to continue acting in Tamil films? “Yes for sure! My debut experience has been the best so far! Now I want to try every genre. As long as I am learning, I am open to doing films in all languages.” With her goals set, Mandy Takhar looks like she’s ready to fly!