LANGUAGE is no barrier it seems for model turned actress Melanie Marie Jobstreibitzer as she chose a Tamil film to make her debut. “I initially worked in Mumbai as a professional model,” she shares, adding, “I was approached by a manager who was interested in casting me for films and after that I was called to Chennai to play the role of Jessica in the film Goa.” Must have been difficult emoting to an unknown language? “The language was a little challenging but I loved the challenge and I plan to brush up my language skills for future projects,” says the actress and reveals her ambition to make it big in Indian cinema. Speaking about her role in the film, the actress says, “Jessica, is a very sweet girl who loves the values of family and tradition, which she desperately lacks within her own family and country. And being in India she finds these things and falls in love with the people, the tradition and the colour of life which is inherent in the Indian culture.” The fun the lass had while shooting was amazing and she longs to work with Venkat Prabhu again. “I had so much fun working with the crew. Director Venkat Prabhu worked with me to evoke the right emotions and helped me with the language and understanding my character. He’s very vibrant and happy and creates a comfortable working environment,” says the effervescent lady and adds that she met the producer Soundarya Rajinikanth on two particular occasions while shooting. “She was incredibly sweet,” exclaims the actress, who did her acting studies in Melbourne and participated in an awardwinning television series called Neighbours.
“Acting is a passion and I welcome all opportunities to work with talented directors and teams in India. I think the Tamilians really celebrate films and have such an incredible zest for life. I have made some really good friends and I have never worked with such happy and carefree people,” says the actress, who craves idlis everyday.
This young talent wants to reach high as she is looking forward to working with Rajnikanth and Shah Rukh too!
Prem waxes eloquent
Premji Amaren pairs with this Australian actress for Goa and he says, “There are three love stories in the film and I would say our pair was the best. My friends watched the movie and said they loved Melanie. In the film I meet Jessica (Melanie) at Goa and we fall for each other,” says Premji. “I’m so thankful to my brother director Venkat Prabhu who paired Melanie with me. She was very nice to work with and we became very close friends. I introduced her to South Indian food and she loved it,” he adds.