Anjali, a pure Telugu speaking girl might not be popular in Andhra Pradesh but she is quite familiar in Tamil Nadu. This young and aspiring actress is craving a niche of her own by going in a special track. Anjali has not only won the youth’s heart but also does village belle roles with great ease. She has captured the Tamil audience’s attention by doing variety roles in Tamil. She debuted in ‘Katradu Tamil’ and later did super hit films like ‘Angaadi Theru’, ‘Thungaa Nagaram’, etc., and turned out to be a crazy heroine. Her latest film ‘Yengayum Yeppodum’ which is ‘Journey’ in Telugu is all set to release in Telugu soon. A R Murugadoss has produced it for the first time. Studio N and 3K Entertainments are going to present it in Telugu which is being dubbed by Suresh Kondeti’s SK Pictures. Interestingly Anjali dubbed her own voice for this film. As part of promotion, Anjali had a small chit chat with the media. Here are some excerpts:
Hi Anjali! How did you celebrate Diwali?
Belated Diwali wishes to all. I enjoyed the festival a lot. This is a special Diwali to me because the Tamil version ‘Yegayum Yeppodum’ released much before the festival and became a grand success. To tell the truth, I celebrated Diwali well in advance.”
Tell us about the Telugu version ‘Journey’?
I’m very happy about that. The story will be as per the concept. I once got a call from A R Murugadoss’s office. Only after going to his office I learnt that he turned producer. Later his associate Saravanan narrated the story to me. Murugadoss asked me to listen once again. I was scared even to see the bus after I came out of the office post listening to the story. I then understood one faces lot of problems even during journeys. So I strongly decided to do this film. After the release of this film in Tamil, the public has really changed a lot. They started following the traffic rules strictly and many have stopped rash driving. The director has passed on a good message to the public. I thank him for that.
How do you feel acting in Murugadoss’s first production venture?
I really feel lucky. When I got a call from his office, I predicted that I got the chance to act under his direction. But later I was told that he is producing this film. Still there was no limit for my happiness. I’m very glad to get an offer to work in his first production film, that too a performance oriented one. I was told that he saw my performance in ‘Shopping Mall’ and selected for this film. It was like I got an award. Murugadoss used to come to the shooting locations even though he was a producer and supervise if everything was going on well. He even used to advice me at times.
Tell us about your role in this film?
Journey is a good love story film. The story is about a love pair which was never seen before. The film will give a new experience to the audience, especially the Telugu audience. The love track is excellent. I was paired to Jai while the other lead pair is Sharwanand and Ananya. After ‘Shopping Mall’ my role in this ‘Journey’ is yet another sweet one.
How are you in real life?
Basically, I’m a bold and flexible girl.
Tell us about the songs in ‘Journey’?
The songs in this film have created sensation in Tamil Nadu. Satya made his debut as music director through this film. All songs were hit. You need not be surprised if I say that 4 out of top 20 songs are from this film. ‘Chitti Chitti Pulakintha….’ is the ever green hit song. Another attraction in this film is its background score.
How did you manage to become successful in Tamil industry being an Andhra girl?
Two reasons for becoming successful there was my performance and luck. One should have luck even if he/she is talented. Only then we can sustain in the industry. So I earn an image as performance oriented heroine in Kollywood. Everyone started praising me saying that my acting is good.
Do you consider yourself in the list of top heroines?
We are talking about yester year heroine Savitri even today. Similarly I want the people to talk about my performance for another decade or so. Hence I wanted to give my best performance possible. People have already started comparing me with Revathy and Suhasini. I’m very happy about that.
Any unforgettable compliments?
Everyone in the film industry appreciated my performance soon after the release of my film. Balu Mahendra garu’s compliment is like receiving a great award. This movie will attract people from all walks of life. So…Journey the best.
Which is ‘The Best’ film in your career?
I considered ‘Shopping Mall’ till the recent time. However now it is ‘Journey’. My character in ‘Shopping Mall’ is brilliantly designed and my role in ‘Journey’ will be the double the best as in ‘Shopping Mall’.
What is your opinion on the director?
He is the student of AR Murugadoss. Even though this was his first film, he is well experienced man. He crafted the film exactly the way he narrated the story. He never compromised anywhere. For instance, a scene in Tiruchy bus stand was supposed to be shot. But it became little difficult as the traffic was too much there. Still he wasadamant to shoot the scene in that location only. So instead of 2 days we did it in a week’s time.
All young guys seems to be crazy about you?
Yeah! The fans are growing from film after film. There is countless number of calls after the release of ‘Yengayum Yeppodum’. Many started to send ‘I Love You’ messages. This film has increased the male fans. Similarly Jai got good craze among the girls.
Who is your favourite director?
Maniratnam. It’s because I like his style of film-making. My dream is to act atleast once under his direction.
What kind of support do you get from your family?
Without my mom, Anjali would not have been here today. When I expressed my desire to act in films, initially my dad was totally against it. However, my mom convinced my dad and from then onwards she was always there by my side. So all the credit for my success goes to my mom.
What are your forthcoming films?
I’m going to do yet another film under Murugadoss’s production with his brother as hero. Through this film he is going to introduce another student of his as director. My second film is ‘Masala Café’ pairing with Vimal under Sunder C’s direction.
