When you speak to actress Tamannaah Bhatia over the phone, you realise she sounds like the same girl from Tamil movies like Paiyaa and Telugu films like 100% Love. After seven years in South films, she stepped into Bollywood with Himmatwala, followed by movies like Humshakals and Entertainment. Having worked with big names like Ajay Devgn, Akshay Kumar, Vijay, Ajith Kumar and Dhanush, the 24-year-old is already considered a senior in the industry. Trying her hand at a period film for the first time, Bhatia is part of Rajamouli’s `150 crore Baahubali. The actress speaks about her early start in movies (at 13), competition and how she spends her Fridays.
I play a princess in Rajamouli’s period Telugu film, Baahubali. I’ve also done a couple of stunts in it too. Then I have an untitled Tamil film with Arya, which will go on floors in November, and another Telugu film lined up.
I have been portrayed very differently in Baahubali. It is a new avatar for me. I haven’t got to do anything different after 100% Love and Oosaravelli. I like being projected in different characters. I would like to do a rustic film like Gangs of Wasseypur or a women-centric film, provided the screenplay is good.
I think competition is very good and gives you a push to do better. As for limitations as an actor, every day is about overcoming something you cannot do.
I am glad films came to me at a very early age. You can adapt better when you are younger. I see people of my age who are very inexperienced.
As an actor, I have to explore a lot more. This is one of the most important phases of my career. I’ve already acted with all the big stars and now I am more careful when I choose my roles. It is important to have a nice mix of films and show versatility. I do not agree that an actress is a mere prop. A comedian cannot replace an actress and everybody has a certain space in a movie.
I am never nervous on a Friday. It is like waiting for your exam results-you cannot go back in time and do anything about it. My failures are as important as my success as they teach me to move forward.
Baahubali is scheduled to release in the first half of 2015.