Vasuki, who played Pawan Kalyan's sister in 'Toli Prema', is making a comeback this month. 'Anni Manchi Sakunamule', starring Santosh Shoban as the hero, will hit the cinemas on May 18. In this interview, Vasuki says that she did the family drama owing to her equations with producer Swapna Dutt of Swapna Cinema.
In this interview, Vasuki talks about her role and more. "I am happy to have played a sister yet again. I don't look like a mother, right (laughs)? If the storyline is extremely powerful and attractive, I am game for playing a mother onscreen," Vasuki says, adding that she is looking for meaningful roles.
She describes actor Santosh Shoban as a sweet, down-to-earth person. "He is a giving, caring personality in the film, much like he is in real life," Vasuki says.
It has been 23 years since 'Toli Prema' was released. I can't say offers didn't come to me in recent years from Tollywood. I couldn't take them up. I am not a multi-tasker. I have been taking care of my children, their care, and their education. When 'AMS' came my way, my children were away abroad for their studies. My husband (art director Anand Sai), as you know, is always busy. My priorities were different for many years. When offers came my way in those years, I didn't even bother to know who was making those movies and such details.
I don't take anything seriously. I don't see any profession as my destiny. I am philosophical.
I faced teething problems when I decided to make a comeback. I was 18 when I did 'Toli Prema'. Back then, it was a new language, a new State, new people. At the age of 40-something, it's again a new experience. When Swapna Dutt offered me the role, I wanted to read the script first. I knew that it would be a comfortable ride sans ego issues. That's why I said okay. I got to work with experienced artists such as Rajendra Prasad garu. Everyone was very cooperative and friendly. I didn't feel conscious of the fact that I was working with seniors. Gautami garu was so lovely.
I play a doting sister in the movie. She supports her brother in all situations. She is his support system. It's a very cute character. The bonding between my character and Rishi (played by Santosh Shoban) is not expressionist in nature. It's understated and subtle. People who know the value of such a relationship will definitely relate to it.
I enjoyed working with director Nandini Reddy. It was exciting working with a female filmmaker. This is no feminism. As an audience member, I have stopped watching violent, gory movies. The predominant trend is of those movies these days. 'AMS' is a contrast. It feels like reading a feel-good fairytale.
What is the scope of a character? It is something the actor decides. There are artists who shine through just one scene that they get to do. There are others who don't make an impact despite a full-fledged role. The audience's expectations have only gone up compared to the past.
I have never had a fear of camera. I don't get anxious at the thought of standing in front of the camera. I don't see acting as a stressful job either. I stay calm and composed. I enjoy being immersed in the scene. For me to do a film, I should feel nice about my character. I am waiting for such characters. My life has always been an 'Anni manchi sakunamule' thing (smiles).
My husband Anand did 'Shakti' under Vyjayanthi Movies. Anand's father had worked with Aswini Dutt garu. So, we have been family friends. We have had cordial relations with the Dutt family for the past 2 decades or so.
Anand and Pawan Kalyan are good friends. My equations with Kalyan didn't stop after 'Toli Prema'. As for his political career, I don't follow politics. I have seen Kalyan grow dramatically in films. He is the same person today as he was 23 years ago. He is balanced and composed.
