After a slow start in Tollywood, her debut movie 'Premikulu', which failed to impress the box office, actress Kamna Jethmalani has come a long way with hits like Bendu Apparao up her belt.
Recalling the previous year she says, “I would rate it as five out of ten. It was ok. Work was really slow and I was lazy. I guess I was going through actor’s block.” However, despite a hit in the end, this svelte actress is charged up and optimistic to face the New Year and says, “I hope the year is colourful and eventful. I will take up more work and also maintain a regular fitness regime.” Starting her career in her late teens, Kamna feels that though being an outsider, she did not have any problems in gaining a foothold in the film industry down south. “By God’s grace, I have not given a single screen test for any of the roles. I took whatever came my way. I was really young then and I was excited about the work and the fact that I will be independent and will no longer depend on my parents while all my other friends were busy studying,” explains Kamna.
However, the actress who has made her presence felt in Tollywood without any godfather, believes that she has turned wiser with age. “I am a lot more responsible, ambitious and focused. I am choosy about my work and I go with my instincts.” The actress who has done movies in Telugu, Tamil and Kannada movies believes that even though she was not familiar with the languages, she immediately felt at home with the industry. “When I am in Hyderabad I feel at home and never miss Mumbai,” claims the petite actress.
Comparing Tollywood and with Tamil industry, the actress shares her experience, “In Tamil movies actresses get more role however, Telugu movies have the most glamorous actresses.” Kamna gets passionate about her alltime- favourite idol Sridevi. “She is a legendary actress and I can’t get enough of her. She is the true diva. If I can achieve even one per cent of what she has achieved, I will feel great,” says an excited Kamna. Talking about her roles, Kamna is all praises for the stars of yesteryears.
“Jaya Prada and Vijayshanti are remembered for their portrayal of powerful roles and they were equally spectacular when wearing simple sarees. But nowadays the actresses are asked to focus more on glamour and good bodies. It would be great if we get more womencentric roles,” laments Kamna.
Like most of the popular actresses Kamna is also open to good offers from Bollywood. Talking about her dream role the bubbly actress says, “Kareena Kapoor in Jab We Met and Genelia in Bommarillu had fantastic roles, which I would love to portray if given a chance and it would also suit my image.” When not at work, Kamna Jethmalani claims that she is just another girlnext- door. “I love reading, going to the spa and once I sit in front of the TV, nobody can pull me off the couch,” says the actress who manages to look million bucks on screen.
sohini@expressbuzz.com