I'm just misunderstood: Andrea Jeremiah

Starring in Tamil-Hindi bilingual 'Vishwaroopam', actress Andrea Jeremiah says she is not arrogant, just misunderstood

Tamil singer and actress Andrea Jeremiah is in a celebratory mood. First, there is her Tamil-Hindu bilingual film 'Vishwaroopam' with Kamal Haasan, scheduled to release in a few months and promises to be the year’s biggest movie. Then comes another Tamil film 'Vada Chennai'.

Having begun her career as a Tamil playback singer in 2005, Jeremiah has many famous songs to her credit and is remembered for her role in the film 'Pachaikili Muthucharam'. Telling us about her big project with Kamal Haasan, she admits, ‘‘This is the biggest film I’ve been a part of thus far, and I’ve enjoyed working on it. About my role, well, I say a line in the trailer, a rough translation would go like this - ‘in this story, everyone has a double role.’ If I said anything more, I’d be giving too much away.’’

Reality with Kamal

When asked to share her observations about Haasan, the actress says, ‘‘What does the world NOT know about Kamal Haasan? I noticed that he likes being treated like a normal person, and not like the great star he is, which is a rare and admirable quality.’’

Path to happiness

The actress admits that her film journey has been bumpy, but at the same time a huge learning experience, ‘‘I hope the bumps in the road smooth out now. It’s about time,’’ she says. According to the 27-year-old, being choosy about movies has a negative connotation, ‘‘as if I am a fussy actor. Which I am most certainly not. I just like to be on the same page as the team I work with. Because films are not made in a day, one has to be absolutely committed to the project and the vision of the director for as long as it takes.’’

Ready to experiment

When asked about the kind of roles coming her way, she admits to getting strong roles, ‘‘And some very interesting and experimental scripts, that I unfortunately had to turn down because I am already fighting a stereotype of being a ‘choosy and non-commercial’ actor,’’ she says. Her priority, she adds, is to do good films, with a solid story line. Known to keep to herself on the sets, Jeremiah admits that this could be mistaken as arrogance. ‘‘It’s happened ever since I was a child. But the people who know me, know better,’’ she says.

Networking skills

She doesn’t think much of being seen at the right place with the right people, to further her career. ‘‘I’ve been dealing with bad timing and the wrong choice of people my whole life! I am incapable of manipulating people or situations, It’s a talent I just do not possess,’’she admits. Incidentally, the actress does not think she is girly in real life. ‘‘ I never liked make-up till I got into the film industry. I don’t like wearing jewellery, I cut my hair when one of my friends reminds me to, I have done a grand total of two pedicures my whole life and never done a manicure, ever! But then again, I love watching soppy love stories, I love curling up on the sofa and eating chocolate, I am terrified of ghost stories and all creepy crawlies,’’ she concludes.

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