How often do you get to debut in a film with virtually no known star and have it attain cult status? That’s what Vijayalakshmi managed with Chennai 600028. Despite having lost out in Rajini’s Sultan, the beautiful actress says that the movie offer changed her life.
What happened to the film Sultan: The Warrior?
Even I don’t know! I shot a few scenes with Superstar Rajinikanth and then the film was canned. Some directors thought that I had entred the big league when I signed for Sultan and hence never approached me for small budget movies. I have never changed and was always on the lookout for good character roles. Although its disappointing that the film never happened, it was a wonderful learning experience to have acted with Rajini Sir.
There was a bit of a break in between. Why?
Films came along and just turned things around for me when I wasn’t even looking at acting as a career option. I was a little playful about the whole thing at one point of time and was even contemplating quitting acting. After Katradhu Kalavu, I decided I must first define my choice of films and then continue. When the offer to act in Sultan came, I found what I really wanted, and now, I am back.
You must be looking forward to Rendavathu Padam and Vennila Veedu?
I play a city girl in the Rendavathu Padam. In complete contrast to this, I play a village belle in the movie Vennila Veedu. Both films have shaped up well and I am looking forward to their release.
There are a lot of non Tamil-speaking heroines around. How does that feel, considering you’re one of the few who are fluent with the language?
I am always proud of the way that our industry has been doing. The non-Tamil heroine trend has always been popular. It is nothing new. But now times are changing and heroines are cast based on their talent. I feel more Tamil girls should come forward and act, for the directors to be able to cast them.
So what’s next?
I would love to do the role of a freedom fighter in a period movie! It is something that I have been fantasising about for a long time.