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She was relaxing in her home. There were no signs of nervousness as she started promoting her first Bollywood film. Meet Sada who is a well known actress in the South. She is a South Filmfare award winner and is all set to star in Srinivas Bhashyam’s Love Khichdi. Excerpts from the conversation:

Your first Telegu film Jayam was released in 2002. Why did it take six years for you to do a Hindi film?
It was not a conscious decision to do only South films. The first Telegu film that I did was the biggest grosser of that year. So naturally I got a lot of offers from big directors in the south. I was quiet happy doing films there. Then after doing about 20 films in the South I decided to do Hindi films.

It is normally believed that actors have to struggle a lot to get into the film industry. Was it the same for you?
People normally struggle to get a break. For me it was not the case. It was very easy for me to work with a good director. I was pursuing my engineering and had not thought about getting into a film of a good banner. I just casually thought about giving it a try. Teja, the cameraman of Ghulam was about to produce and direct a film. He was in Mumbai and had seen my pictures. He liked them and asked me to do a film. It all happened very quickly. I played the role of a village girl in my first film. So I was getting offers which were of that type. I had to struggle a bit to get out of that stereotyped image and move on to doing different kinds of roles.

Are you still open to do South Indian films?
Yes. But it should be interesting. I don’t want to something which has already been done to death. I should be something which I have not done before.

What differences did you find in doing a South Indian film and a Hindi film?
The two Hindi films that I am doing are being directed by people who have made South Indian films. So I cannot figure out any major differences. The film industry in Mumbai has become quiet good now.

You are a trained Kathak dancer. That would have certainly been of great help.
Yes. I was trained for seven years. I gave two or three exams for it as well. It gives you a basic understanding of rhythm. It is a lot more easy to capture the movements.

In a short span of 6 years, Siddharth has acquired the reputation of being ultra-choosy. And that’s the way he likes it. Beginning with the Tamil cult hit, Boys, in 2003, Siddharth came to Hindi cinema and Rang De Basanti with just a meager body of work in Tamil and Telugu. Now that he has signed a new Hindi film, the finicky actor says he’s still in no hurry to get anywhere. Today after much dillydallying Siddharth has said yes to another Hindi project after apparently having said no to a prestigious project like Dilli 6. What makes this actor say ‘Yes’ to Chandan Arora and a ‘No’ to Rakeysh Mehra?

You’re finally doing another Hindi film after Rang De Basanti. What took you so long to select another film?
The fact that I took so long to start a film after Rang De Basanti seems to surprise everyone but me. I specifically said after Rang De Basanti that I would not do anything unless I am completely excited by it. It has taken me 2 years to find a Hindi film that I think I should do as opposed to having people tell me what they want to see me doing. Now all that is left to do is to stand by that decision and to give it its worth, and that’s the really exciting part.

Whether it’s the South or in Mumbai, you’ve acquired the reputation of being extra-picky. Are you just being cautious about your career?
People often tell me I take myself too seriously. I think I could still do more. If I don’t take myself seriously, no one else is going to either. I want to look back at my career and see hunger for excellence and conviction as being the root cause for selecting each of my films. I think my filmography reads as sensible, and that’s pretty good for a 6 year old career. Be it Telugu cinema or Hindi, I am here to stay, and I would rather achieve that with one good film at a time, as opposed to a barrage of mediocrity just to stay in circulation.

Now finally there is Striker in Hindi. What made you choose this assignment among all the ones that came to you?
I was waiting to find a director whose voice and vision excited me as much as I believed it would excite an audience. Hindi cinema is in a place where nobody knows where the next sea change is going to come from. Chandan Arora’s script made me think that Striker has a fantastic chance of being a very important film. His integrity impressed me. It’s a beautiful film. I am really looking forward to the challenge of complementing such a compelling script with my performance.

Are you a carom player in real life? Chandan tells me, you’ve been mastering the game, lingo and the real-life character’s personality. Do you think non-fictional characters should be replicated or should they be played according to the actor and director’s independent interpretation?
I think it is inappropriate to get into details of the performance at such an early stage. To address it very briefly, I think that real life characters that the people haven’t observed closely makes it possible for huge liberties to be taken while depicting them on screen. That is both a convenient and a challenging prospect at the same time. It’s convenient because you ‘can’ make it up, and challenging because you ‘have’ to make it up.

Whether it’s the South or the North, you’re known for selected screen appearances. Isn’t there a danger of being under-exposed?
I believe any exposure is exposure. The words ‘under’ and ‘over’ are used in the future when looking back. My career span isn’t long enough just yet to make that analysis. As of now, I think I am getting my exposure, and that is a relief. It’s better than doing no work at all.

How is your Southern career doing? Are you getting the roles that satisfy your aesthetics?
I have achieved critical and mass acceptance in Telugu. It is hugely satisfying because I have done it my way, and have done so in an industry considered to be very hostile to male actors from outside the state. However, my fans there have never once let me feel like a Tamilian. I am and always will be their very own Telugu boy. I have commissioned my own films and been part of everything from writing to crew selection from my very first film. My identity as a thinking Telugu actor gives me great joy.

What about in Mumbai. What after Striker? Any other Hindi assignments?
I worked with Vishal Bhardwaj on a short film Blood Brothers on the subject of AIDS. It was more important for me to associate myself with that film based on what it wanted to achieve, than with the myriad other offers that might have been big commercial studio success stories. I mention this to give myself a fair idea of how to go about selecting work. I am accountable both to myself and to the people who see my work. I will start a new film as soon as I know that I won’t be letting that faith down.

What prompted you to accept Vishal’s Blood Brothers as your follow-up to Rang De Basanti in Hindi?
In the year following Rang De Basanti, I went back to Hyderabad and did two hugely successful Telugu films. I decided to take a break for six months and travel. That’s when Vishal called. I worked on the film because of the cause it stood for and because I was excited about working with Vishal Bhardwaj and the Oscar-winning cinematographer Guillermo Navarro.

Do you feel like a fish out of water in Mumbai? How do you intend to divide your time between Chennai and Mumbai? Or will Chennai continue to be home?
I have no emotional attachment with any city or anybody. I have been living out of a suitcase for over 4 years now. Home for me is where I am working at any given point of time. When I am unemployed, I go to my parents for shelter. I see this ritual continuing for a while to come.

So you have finally become one of Bollywood’s highest paid actors by bagging a 6 crore deal with Studio 18?
I’m happy that my talent is being recognized. I can’t talk about it right now, but yes the figures are close to it.

6 Crore for one film, that’s quite a lot of money?
No, no, it’s not for one film, but for two films. I’m not in a position to discuss any further on this.

So finally you are out of Salman’s shadow?
Now this is weird. Where did it come from (looking irritated)?

You really think you deserve that much money?
Why not? I ended last year with 4 big hits, Namaste London, Apne, Partner and Welcome. And the 4 films made money. So career wise, it’s been an extremely fulfilling year for me.

And personally?
Doing well as well. I have taken care of my family and they are happy for me.

What about marriage?
You guys will have to wait for that. I have just started my career and can’t afford to give up everything. My first priority is to provide financial security to my family. I have to make them financially secure before marrying someone.

What about the recent news that Salman slapped you?
That’s really ridiculous. It was some dirty person’s figment of imagination. I have never really discussed my personal life, but enough is enough. I have always believed what personal is personal. But this is too much. The story that has appeared is utter rubbish and fabricated. I suspect that it’s been spread by vested interest with ulterior motives. I would like to repeat that nothing of this sort has happened. Normally I don’t like to clarify but sometimes one has to take a stand.

Your next release is Race. Heard that you have done some bold scenes?
It’s an action thriller. I had lots of fun shooting for the film. Race is extremely slick and has got an international look. It was so special shooting for Race. I am just looking forward to it

What’s on the pipeline?
Race, Singh Is Kingg, Main Yuvraj, and two untitled films with Yashraj films.

Kajal Agarwal has caused quite a stir with her glamorous act in Chandamama. Although she made her debut in Teja’s Lakshmi Kalyanam, she caught the attention of the audiences with Chandamama. She is now pretty busy in Telugu. The young actress is on cloud nine after her recent release Pourudu and Pazhani in Tamil are hits. She talks about the film, her forthcoming movies and more..

On Pourudu?
I am really happy that the film is doing well. The response has been very encouraging. The role that I played Samyukhta in the movie is very modern, educated and bubbly character, which I enjoyed doing. In my last two films, I played sober girl from rural background, here in enacting urban character was fun and very close to me. There is a little bit Kajal in Samyuktha, too.

About dance
I was also salsa dancer in the movie but I did not face any problems playing steps. I am already into - Jiving, another western classical dance form that made easier to do salsa.

On Sumanth and the team
Sumanth is nice guy. He is very professional and talented. It is my good fortune to be part of Annapoorna Studios’ production.

Kind of roles like to do..
I am too young as an actress to slot or set rules for characters. I am open-minded. On a personal choice, I would love to do roles that give me creative satisfaction.

How did your film career begin..
I am basically from Mumbai. While studying in the college, I was into theatre - performed many stage plays. Even though, I was not into modeling nor did I nurture dreams of turning actor, destiny brought me to the films. Probably this natural progress after doing stage plays.

On being a glam girl
I don’t mind doing glam roles but I’m uncomfortable wearing skimpy clothes. Being glamorous is different from looking vulgar. I know my limitations and will never wear any dress that I feel uncomfortable in.

Language problems
For an actress, language is not a barrier. I am learning Telugu right now. Can understand but yet to perfect it.

Favourite actors
Aamir Khan in Bollywood. I love Chiranjeevi and Mahesh Babu in Telugu. Sridevi is my all time favorite. She is the best. And also admire Sushmita Sen.

Current projects
Aatadista with Nitin is complete. There is another Tamil-Telugu bilingual titled Seven.

At a time, when new girls walk into Hindi films in the skimpiest of clothes, this actress made an unconventional debut in a glamourless, salwar kameez-clad role with Tere Naam. Having seen immense success down South, the actress is choosy about her Hindi films.

In a free-wheeling chat, Bhumika Chawla talks about Family, her next release and her life in the film industry …

Excerpts from the Interview:

Family - Ties of Blood is the much-awaited film from AB Corp Ltd and this is your first film with them. How excited or apprehensive were you while doing the film?

I wasn’t apprehensive at all. In fact, I had a great time. It was also a very good experience for me to be working with such big names from the Hindi film industry. This was my second film with Amitji after Dil Jo Bhi Kahey and it was a treat to work under the direction of Rajkumar Santoshi, a maker everyone wants to be associated with.

You seem to be the most fortunate actor to have worked with Amitabh Bachchan in two films out of your six Hindi films till date.

Yes, I consider it my privilege. (Smiles) I am the chosen one.

How did you feel when you had to face the camera with him for the first time?

We have become friends now. But my first shot for Dil Jo Bhi Kahey was with Amitji. As I played a doctor, in the scene, I had to tell him about his wife’s condition who had been hospitalised. I had rehearsed my lines thoroughly and when I was certain of not making an error, I walked onto the sets and was ready to give the shot. But when I came face to face with Amitji, I forgot my lines. I think this happens with everyone who comes within his proximity. Embarrassed, I apologised and said, ‘Please give me two minutes’. He replied, ‘Don’t worry. Take your time.’ I went to a corner, practiced my lines again and before going back to give the shot, thought to myself that there are two ways about doing it: either I make mistakes and go on giving 20 takes or think that I am facing another actor and not a big personality like Amitabh Bachchan. I thought the second one was a good idea and I went ahead. To everyone’s surprise, the shot was okayed in the first take and Amitji was impressed. He said, ‘Very good’.

You didn’t have any inhibitions about him after that.

Of course not because after that we bonded and became good friends. But before that I was a little perturbed. Who isn’t? He is such a big name, a thorough professional and a great human being.

When I was shooting with Abhishek Bachchan for Run, not once did Amitji visit the sets which was quite surprising. So,I never had the privilege of meeting him then. My first meeting with him was when I was invited by Abhishek for holi at their house. Since I don’t party much and had just one Hindi release to my credit, nobody recognised me there. I went in quietly and introduced myself to Amitji. He was gracious and after sometime when I went back to say goodbye, he said, ‘My child, don’t leave so soon. Enjoy yourself first.’ But since I was feeling awkward in the crowd, I left quietly after sometime. Next I met him was for a few minutes before starting the shooting of Dil Jo Bhi Kahey in Mauritius.

And like so many, you too seem to be one of his fans …

Who isn’t? Amitji is so brilliant. I am amazed at his energy and determination. For a 64-year-old, he can put any youngster to shame with his enthusiasm and punctuality.

That’s true. This is your first film with Rajkumar Santoshi. Was he a tough task master?

On the contrary. Rajji is such a perfectionist. He would explain each shot in such detail. He is like a school teacher. Very systematic. He took care of every detail like the lights, setup, costumes, etc. He would not tire even after 10-15 retakes but would go on till the shot was to his satisfaction. When I was not getting an emotional scene right even after ten takes and kept putting glycerine in my eyes, he came to me and said ‘Think this is happening to you in real life. Feel the pain’ and next, the shot was okayed.

For him, work is worship. When he is on the sets he hates to be disturbed or distracted. Neither does he want his artistes’ attention to be diverted. If there is disturbance or people are moving around on the sets while he is canning a shot, he prefers to wait till the commotion is over so that he and his artiste can concentrate on the scene. As for me, I have always wanted to work with him after watching his Lajja. I liked the way he brought out the characters and the trauma of the women in the film.

Also this is the first time you have been paired with Akshay Kumar. How was he as a co-star?

Akshay is a nice person, so full of life. Even when everyone was tired and stressed out after a day-long shoot, he would bring life into the atmosphere with his jokes ad light-hearted banter. He is also very helpful. I had great fun working with him in Family.

What was your equation with Aryeman? Did he remind you of your days as a newcomer?

Aryeman is a young boy, and like Akshay, full of life. The guys had a great time together. As an actor, he is amazing and it doesn’t feel like this is his debut film. Unlike me in Tere Naam, he was very carefree and calm. Moreso because the film is produced by his father Keshu who is a fabulous man.

With so many people in the cast, do you think you had enough scope for performance?

I don’t think anyone has any reason to complain as all got equal footage in Family. I am playing Akshay’s wife who stands by the family in good and bad times. When Rajji narrated the story to me, he said think of such a situation in your household. It can happen with anyone and I liked it so I took it up. Also working with Amitji, Rajji and Akshay was an added incentive.

Your debut film Tere Naam was a huge success. But since then you have had just six releases to your credit. Any other actor in your place would have gone on a signing spree …

I like it that way. I prefer going slow and doing good work. I don’t want to be seen all over the place, doing all sorts of films. Neither do I want to get typecast in a role. If you notice, I have portrayed different characters in all my films so far. I am also fortunate to be doing good work down South. All this keeps me busy all the time. But since I don’t party much and am not a Page 3 person, people hardly know me.

It has been three years since Tere Naam. When you look back today, how do you review your career?

I was lucky to bag Tere Naam as my debut film. It was the remake of the Tamil hit film Sethu featuring Vikram. Like its original, it did well in Hindi too. It was a wonderful experience doing the film though my role was sans make up and glamour yet it was a perfect launch pad for me.

This was followed by glamorous roles in films like Run, Dil Ne Jise Apna Kaha and Silsilay…

In Run, I played the role of a gangster’s sister with whom a headstrong guy falls in love. It was almost similar to that of Nirjara in Tere Naam. I had the opportunity to work with good people like Abhishek Bachchan and Mahesh Manjrekar but unfortunately the film didn’t do too well. Again Run was a remake of a Tamil hit with the same title which was a huge success there. It was even dubbed in Telugu.
I did Dil Ne Jise Apna Kaha only for Salman Khan. It was directed by his brother-in-law Atul Agnihotri. Silsilay was about the lives of four women and I played a fast-rising Hindi film actress whose live-in relationship with the man who groomed her for a film career is about to break-up. The story was about the coming together of the women in an act of solidarity.

Dil Jo Bhi Kahey followed next.

For the first time, I played a doctor in the film. Entirely shot in Mauritius, it was about the cultural conflicts that exist in the society. It was fun to be working with newcomer Karan Sharma. He is a very simple and hardworking guy. Revathy too was very warm. And what else can I say about Amitji?

You began your acting career with South films. Now that you have established yourself in Hindi films, do you plan to bid goodbye to regional films?

Never. I will continue working down South till the day I decide to quit acting forever. I am indebted to South films.

You saw immense success there. Tell us more.

I have always wanted to be popular. And so I participated in a lot of extra-curricular activities where people would notice me. Nine years ago I had come to Mumbai for the first time and my cousin insisted that I send my portfolio around. Thus started the rounds for work. I began with commercials and music videos, before South films beckoned.

My first film in Telugu was Yuvagudu but it was the success of Kushi that flooded me with offers and appreciation. Also starring Pawan Kalyan, it was directed by SJ Surya for producer AM Ratnam. Okkadu, opposite Mahesh Babu, again created records followed by NTR Junior-starrer Simhadri which was a blockbuster. NTR Junior is a hot star in Andhra today and I also did Samba with him. Autograph with Ravi Teja is the remake of the Tamil film directed by Cheran; Snehamante Idera with Nagarjuna, YKS Rama Raos Vasu with Venkatesh, Vasu and Badri are some of the other films.

Missamma, the fun-filled Tamil film, also featuring Shivaji and Laya, was directed by the National award winning director Neelakanta. It was his film all the way.

Back home, what are the films in the offing?

I have a couple of releases. There is a thriller titled Benaam with Ajay Devgan to be directed by Anees Bazmee. In theatre director Feroze Khan’s Mahatma v/s Gandhi, Akshaye Khanna is my co-star. It is produced by Anil Kapoor. I also have Jai Chiranjeevi in Telugu opposite Chiranjeevi.

You recently went out of your way to help the victims of the July 26 deluge. What was the experience like?

I did not know the impact of the floods till I watched a television report and I was terribly upset looking at the condition of so many people who suffered huge losses. That is when my friend Bharat and I decided to do something rather than sit and discuss the situation. Firstly we got in touch with Sanjay Nirupam since we were not aware of how to go about it. He helped us to raise funds and instructed about the places which needed immediate help. We collected and distributed things like rice and pulses in the most-affected areas like Kalina, Vakola and Jogeshwari.

You and Bharat seem to be in the news lately …

Yeah. I like his company. I was introduced to Bharat by Satish Kaushik who thought I needed to learn yoga for a healthy living. Bharat Thakur is a yoga teacher and has written some books on the subject. He also runs institutes in India and abroad and has people like Satish Kaushik, Anil Kapoor, Sunita Kapoor, Katrina Kaif, Tara Sharma, Akshaye Khanna and some industrialists amongst his huge clientele. Though I don’t like to reveal much about my personal life, all I can say is the Bharat is a good friend with whom I can discuss anything under the sun. He understands me very well. There are times when we only play ludo, monopoly, chess or other such games for hours together or we watch television or films and are not bored in each other’s company. What I want to say here is that we are very comfortable being together without any frills. Destiny will decide our future. But right now we are happy as we are.

Person you like?

Mahatma Gandhi

Favourite actors?

Sean Connery, SV Ranga Rao, Charlie Chaplin

Favourite movie?

City Lights

Favourite actress?

Savithri

Your best friend?

Conscience

Favourite music?

Folk music

Your farourite place?

My bed-room

Favourite food?

All items. Sea food like more.

Your role model?

Any hard-working person. That can be head of the State or a daily labourer

Your favourite film of yours?

Khaidi

Your favourite colour?

Black

Your favourite place, overseas?

Switzerland

Your valuable possession?

Small gold watch given by my mother when I am 5 years old.

In your view, what is the most valuable?

Human relations

One thing that makes you unhappy?

Still there are many hungry people

One thing that makes you happy?

Increase of employment opportunities

What will you want, if God appears before you?

God’s presence itself is a boon. What is there to ask

One line you like?

In achieving targets, there should not be any doubt

What is your advice to your fans?

Youth is very important state in human beings life. If you lose it, you cannot recover. By knowing it, every moment should be utilized for betterment.

Chirnajeevi film milestones:-

Hyderabad sultan:- In Hyderabad, the highest number of movies (35) run 100 days.

Remuneration:- First hero to receive Rs 1 crore as remuneration.

Box-office: In Telugu first movie to collect Rs 30 crore ( Indra)

Mogudu Kaavali is the first film of Chiranjeevi to run 100 days.

First Filmfare award for best actor: Punnami Nagu (1980)

Pranam Khareedu (1978) first movie released. Oriya actress Reshma is heroine. Director Vasu.

Highest number of films (17) produced by Allu Aravind.

Chiranjeevi faced camera for the first time with Punaadi Raallu.

Kodama Sinham (1990), the cow boy film was shot in 5 states and dubbed into English as Hunters of the Indian treasure.

KS Rama Rao put Mega Star to Chiranjeevi with the film Marana Mrudangam (1988)

Remuneration and hundred days shield for the first time with Manavoori Pandavulu (1978)

First Nandi award for best actor: Swayam Krishi (1987)

Second Nandi award for Apatbandhavudu (1992)

Only film in the combination of Dasari Narayana Rao and Chiranjeevi: Hitler

Pranam Khareedu: first film release on 22 September, 1978.

Punaadi Raallu: release 21 june, 1979. the film was released as 6th film of Chiranjeevi. For the first time Chiranjeevi delivered dialogue before camera on 11 February, 1978 for this film in Rajahmundry.

PS Niwas, who worked as cameraman for the film told Chiranjeevi that he will become a big star in future, if he applies his wisdom to what director tells.

Yamakinkarudu (1982) is free lift to Mel Gibson’s Mad Max. The film is produced by Allu Aravind and directed by Raj Bharat.

For the first time Chiranjeevi acted under the directed of K Vishwanath in Subhalekha (1982) for which he won Filmfare award.

Khaidi (1983) released on 28 October. This film made Chiranjeevi a super star.

Under the direction of K Raghavendra Rao, Chiranjeevi as solo hero, Adavi Donga (19.9.1985) was a major hit. It widened Chiranjeevi market.