She started off as a national-level squash player, who represented Tamil Nadu in many tournaments. But Chennai-born Komal Sharma seemed destined for a role in the entertainment industry instead. After a stint of six years as a squash player, Komal shifted gear and went into modeling, where films entered her life. Now with three films in her kitty, she is all set to make a success of her new career. Speaking to CE, Komal tells us how it all began: “Even as a squash player, I got offers to model and I did commercials for various sari and jewellery brands. Someone saw my ad and I got an offer to act in SA Chandrasekar’s Sattam Oru Iruttarai. One thing led to another and I bagged a role in Amaidhi Padai 2 –Nagarajan Cholan MA MLA.”
While she played a reporter paired with Vikrant in her debut film, in Amaidhi Padai 2, she plays a teacher who is a champion of social causes. The film is a political satire and Komal appears as a girl next door. “I play a demure, modest girl, respectful of her parents. I am very happy that director Manivannan entrusted me with such a role. I am sure girls watching the film will identify with me,” she says. The film stars actors Sathyaraj, director Seeman and also Manivannan’s son Raghu.
Komal had some action scenes to do in her debut film and her training in sports was an immense help. “Even now, as an actor when I have to shoot long hours, it’s my sports background and my high stamina level that help me cope,” she smiles. The actor has also taken part in marathons and used to play close to five hours of squash everyday.
The lucky entrant has already signed her third film, Anu, named after the role she plays. The hero is newbie Anbu, while Suman plays an important role. The film is directed by debutant Sunil Kumar, who is also producing the film. Komal dons the look of a homely girl in this emotional love story. Komal has got a variety of roles in the beginning of her career and she agrees she couldn’t ask for more. “Every role is a milestone for me and I am loving the journey,” she concludes.