Shamili is well into her 20s but many still find it hard to drop the prefix 'baby'. Shamili laughs it off and quips: "Look at me. Do I look like a baby anymore?"
Yes, she is no more a baby, but the lead lady in Valliyum Thetti Pulliyum Thetti, a Kunchacko Boban starrer, directed by Rishi Sivakumar, that will hit the theatres soon.
Shamili, in a tete-a-tete with Kochi Express, tells how both the Tamil and Malayalam movie industry seemed alien to her at first despite her stint as a popular child artist.
How good is the second stint?
I don't know how to tag it, but it really is a new experience. Movies, like many think, was not always my life. After the stint as a child artist, I took cinema off my life and concentrated on studies. I am just back from Singapore, after doing my masters, when I got the offer to play the lead in Veera Sivaji, opposite Vikram Prabhu. I couldn't decide at first, but then I thought why not give it a try. That's how the second coming happened. So far, it has been positive. However, I was tense on the first two days, but it all fell into place,thanks to my back-up experience as a child artist.
Tell us more about your character in Valliyum Thetti Pulliyum Thetti.
Valliyum Thetti Pulliyum Thetti is a fun movie. There is a certain retro-yet-modern element to it. My character is very bold. She is not your typical conservative girl who is scared of her family.
How was your experience working with Kunchacko Boban?
It was great working with Chackochan, because he is a family friend. He is a very sweet guy and I felt very comfortable on the sets. Not just him, the entire crew were good. I don't follow Malayalam much, but the director took extra effort to ensure that I understood the dialogues.
Are you familiar with the new generation of actors in Mollywood?
I know a few, but not all. A lot of Malayalam movies are popular in Chennai now. But, the last time I came to Kerala was when my sister, Shalini, acted in Malayalam movies and that was like 16 years ago. But, I am well aware of the love Malayalis showered on us. I do have a vague memory of shoots and sets. And I hope they continue to love us.
Did Shalini and your brother-in-law (popular Tamil actor Ajith) give you suggestions and tips when you decided you wanted to be in movies?
No, we may be a cinema family but we don't discuss movies at home. It is like every other profession. But, when I told them about the offers, they were very encouraging and said I should take it up. They are not the ones to give tips and I guess they feel I should learn it myself.
Have you signed any other project?
Not yet. I am waiting for both the movies to hit the screens. I did hear a good script and had the mind to take it up, but then the dates clashed. I wanted to dedicate myself fully to a project, so I decided to let it go. But, I am listening to a lot of scripts and soon might zero in on one.