Mamata mohandas to direct SUPER STAR ?
Saturday, May 10th, 2008
She arrived with a bang with her very first film Sivapadhikaram opposite Vishal in Tamil. However, Tollywood beckoned her and she became a sensation in Telugu as well.
She was an instant hit as a singer and became a household name even before the release of her debut film Yama Donga. After a long gap she has now signed a Tamil film with Madhavan called Guru En Aalu.
Q Why this gap after your sensational start in Kollywood with Sivapadhikaram?
I got lot of offers after Sivapadhikaram. In fact, right from Veyyil, I have been getting offers in Tamil. I was committed to a Telugu film Yama Donga, which took eight months to complete. Moreover, I take a break after each film’s release.
Q Heard you are directing Rajinikanth in Kuselan. How did you bag this offer?
I can’t reveal that. Yes, I play a co-director to a director in Kuselan. I was thrilled when I got a call from the producers asking if I would be interested to do an important role in Kuselan. This happened while I was shooting for the Malayalam film Mussafir in Dubai. It was a great opportunity to share the screen with Rajinikanth. Sneha, Khushboo and others play themselves in the film. I have completed a seven-day schedule and my role is different. I am also singing a song which will probably be shot on Nayan.
Q How did your singing stint happen?
I am trained in classical music. I have always had the habit of humming snatches of some song or the other. Devi Sri Prasad heard me one day and asked me whether I would be interested in singing. That’s how the title song of Rakhee happened. After that, I sang for Jagadam, Shankar Dada Yama Donga and the last two were picturised on me. I consider it lucky to sing for my own films as it enables me to emote in my own voice, since I am familiar with the situation.
Q Is it true that Devi Sri Prasad has a soft corner for you and he promotes you ever so often?
(Laughs) Yes, I too have heard these rumours. People started spreading rumours when my first song composed by Devi was a big hit. It is fun working with him. We share a professional relationship and nothing beyond that. Right now, I am concentrating on my work and have no time or inclination for anything else. The
song would have been a hit even if some other singer sang it. I am the topic of gossip only because I happen to be an actress.
Q You seem to have no qualms in wearing revealing outfits?
I think you are referring to a few scenes in Homam. Actually, I was upset when they suddenly narrated the scene after I reached the sets. However, they did not force me. I requested for a few changes in the costume. I am not averse to doing glam roles. One can look sexy even in a sari.
Q How was it working with Madhavan in Guru En Aaalu?
I was acquainted with Madhavan even before I got my break in films. I am a big fan of his.
