Not many British actresses can boast a filmography as Amy Jackson. At 25, she has some powerful roles to her credit, starting with Madrasapattinam (2010). Films like I (2015), Gethu (2016) and Theri (2016) made the hazel-eyed beauty a favourite of the Tamil audience. On Saturday, she was in Chennai to launch her own app in collaboration with New York-based startup Escapex, to reach out to her fans and interact with them on a regular basis. “Let’s finish this off soon. I’ve a flight to the UK for my upcoming English film Boogie Man. It’s pretty hectic, but I am managing them all,” she smiles.
Excerpts follow. Most of the films that you do are big-budget ones. Why? I’ve been extremely choosy since my first film. I don’t want to be typecast. I get many offers, but I don’t accept everything. Irrespective of the industry, I go by the script. I am comfortable working with reputed banners and directors. I am attracted by the script. I can’t do the same things as I get bored easily.
I think about a lot of things before I zero in on something. I want to do projects that are seen and loved by everyone. I am a director’s actor and have become mature enough to handle the pressure. You seem to be focused more on Tamil films. I take on things that excite me. I am looking to explore every genre as I want the script to make my image. Initially, I had no clue about Tamil films. Slowly I got the confidence that I could pull off roles. The audiences have given me love and I feel like I belong to this place.
I’ve tried my hand in Tamil, Telugu and Hindi and I’ve enjoyed all of them. I like it when I am busy. I have no complaints. (Smiles) Tell us about 2.o. Shankar took six years to develop the plot, concepts, different looks, costumes and hair style for us. Do you think I’ll just let that out in a sentence now? (Laughs) When I was in China sometime ago, I posted a picture on Twitter and got into trouble. I don’t want that to happen again. Can you share the experience of working with Shankar and Superstar? I’d cherish it forever. I was nervous when I met Rajinikanth on the first day of the shoot.
He’s a humble person with no airs of a star. He is witty and a true gentleman. (Pauses) Shankar is a visionary. He sees what others can’t. He’s a passionate filmmaker, who’s true to his scripts and that’s his biggest strength. He brings out the best in people. I have celebrated three birthdays on his film sets. Within seven years, you got an opportunity to work with Rajinikanth... was it luck, hard work or timing? I think it’s a combination of everything. I consider myself lucky and blessed that I could achieve it this early in my career. What’s next? A British film called Boogie Man. It’s a small-budget film, but an interesting one.