Neha Shetty will be seen as the female lead in 'DJ Tillu', a crime comedy that is going to be released in theatres on February 11. In this interview, she talks about playing a 'hatke' role, working with Siddhu Jonnalagadda, Brahmaji and others, her background, her future plans, and more.
I was born in Mangalore and brought up in Bengaluru. Everyone knew that I would become an actress. 'Mehabooba', which was directed by Puri Jagannadh sir, was my first movie in Telugu. Before that, I had done Ads and a movie in Kannada. A stint with Sakshi newspaper was my first project in Hyderabad. I became a model and also won the Miss South India title. After 'Mehabooba' in Telugu, I went to New York to do an acting course. I did 'Gully Rowdy' after that. I was also seen in a small role in 'Most Eligible Bachelor'.
Radhika is the name of my character in 'DJ Tillu'. She is a very intelligent and a new-age girl. She is honest and confident. If she is doing something, she knows what she is doing. She is unapologetic and doesn't care about what others think about her. I was in the character even three days after the shoot ended. She doesn't know looking back. That's why I could connect with the character. She is not a regular girl-next-door character.
I laughed so much while listening to the script that I almost had tears. I didn't have much idea about the Telangana language. It sounded quite new and delivering the comical lines in the slang was rib-tickling. It sounded refreshing.
There is a reason behind Radhika's every action. You will know her intentions only when you watch the movie. The director wanted me to express the character the way I wanted.
Brahmaji garu is very good, jovial and active on set. I had a good time working with him, so also with my other co-star Prince. We shared a very good rapport as foodies.
I am lucky to have got to work with a creative co-star like Siddhu. He is a screenwriter himself. Writer-director Vimal Krishna is another superb talent. 'DJ Tillu' is a combination of comedy, thrills and romance. The trailer might have given a partial impression but the film is a multi-genre one. Sithara Entertainments is a banner I feel blessed to have worked under.
Siddhu is a multi-talented person. I couldn't control my laughter watching him on set. He is also a singer, besides being a writer and actor. 'DJ Tillu' is a mass entertainer. Every dialogue is quirky and fresh. During the pandemic, we have had so many ups and downs. This is the film you should watch with your friends and family at this juncture.
We are actors and everything is just acting. We are mentally prepared to do intimate scenes (if any) at the scripting stage itself.
Everyone has their own opinion and trolls have their own thought process. Let them live in their space and I will live in my own space.
I will talk about my lineup of movies soon. I am waiting for the theatrical release of 'DJ Tillu' for now. I wanted to be an actor since my childhood. Choosy is the wrong word to describe my path. I want to do the right sort of projects.
I was just two when Hrithik Roshan's first movie was released. His dancing impressed me big-time. I slowly started having the dream of becoming an actor.
