After the 2004 blockbuster Thiruda Thirudi where she moved in sync with Dhanush in the famous Manmadharasa song, Chaya Singh is back in Power Paandi, her co-star’s directorial debut. Like several actresses today, Chaya claims the length of a role wasn’t a hindrance to a good performance. “My only idea is to do the best with what’s given to me,” smiles Chaya, who is “hungry for good roles and wants to be remembered for my films”. It has been four years since she moved to Chennai and she has quite a few films in her kitty to look forward to this year. Excerpts follow:
You did Vallamai Tharayo (2008), Anandhapurathu Veedu (2010) in Tamil and then you were occupied with Telugu, Malayalam and Kannada cinema...
I am not choosy about working in different industries, but I want to do nice films. That’s my only focus. I took a break because of my personal life. In 2014, I did Idhu Kathirvelan Kadhal. Besides Power Paandi, I am awaiting the release of Ulkuthu and Pattinapakkam this year. People from other industries ask me if I still do films... Well, I am game!
How were you chosen for Power Paandi?
I met Subramaniam Siva, who directed Thiruda Thirudi and he urged Dhanush to have me in Power Paandi.
How is Dhanush as a director?
He’s the same even now. After I met him on the first day of the shoot, I felt like Thiruda Thirudi had just got over. I was nervous. But Dhanush was cool and confident. He’s humble, down-to-earth and is clear about what he does. He is good at explaining scenes as he is also an actor. It’s good to work with directors who are actors; there’s a certain kind of comfort. Dhanush has matured wonderfully — professionally and personally. I thoroughly enjoyed working with him.
Were you okay playing a mother in the film?
I am playing my age in Power Paandi and not a mother to a 16-year-old (laughs). It’s a simple character and I am paired opposite Prasanna...he’s a fantastic actor! Many ask why I do films where I don’t have enough screen time. I have no complaints because I look at the work as a whole. Whatever I do is for my personal satisfaction and I am not somebody who is overly worried or concerned about anything. I accept films when I find them interesting. In some cases, I say ‘yes’ because I want to be a part of a good team.
How was it to work along with veterans like Raj Kiran and Revathy?
Raj Kiran is a sweetheart. Even if we go for a second take, he doesn’t say anything. Revathy is one of my all-time favourites. I wish we had a lot more scenes together.
Tell us about your next, Ulkuthu and Pattinappakam.
In Ulkuthu, I play the role of the lead actor’s sister, and my portions are in the flashback. Though I will not be seen throughout the film, I have a song sequence. Thanks to this character and my maid, I now know to string flowers on my own (chuckles). In Pattinappakam, I play a Bollywood actor who quits acting after marriage. It’s a thriller and I am paired opposite Malayalam actor Manoj K Jayan.
Don’t you miss being a heroine?
I think the whole concept of being a heroine is overrated. At the end of the day, it’s a character. The way we see heroines (today) has changed. I’m happy with the films I get. There’s nothing called a big role or a small role. I’d rather have a small part in a big film, than do a solo film just for the sake of it. When you have a library of quality films, it gives you satisfaction.
What are your future plans?
I’m interested in writing scripts and direction. When I am on the sets, I am full of questions and eager to learn. I talk to everyone from light boys to assistant directors and want to know what they’re up to. I love every aspect of filmmaking.