Ashika Ranganath will be seen in a full-fledged, rebellious role in 'Naa Saami Ranga'. In this interview, the 'Amigos' actress says that a bold female character doesn't necessarily have to booze and smoke in movies.
She says that the Nagarjuna-starrer doesn't feel like a remake anywhere. "The storyline is inspired but the film is otherwise quite Telugu in terms of its commercial values," Ashika analyzes. Ashika Ranganath will be seen in a full-fledged, rebellious role in 'Naa Saami Ranga'. In this interview, the 'Amigos' actress says that a bold female character doesn't necessarily have to booze and smoke in movies.
She says that the Nagarjuna-starrer doesn't feel like a remake anywhere. "The storyline is inspired but the film is otherwise quite Telugu in terms of its commercial values," Ashika analyzes.
I was surprised to know that Nagarjuna garu is the lead actor of a relative newcomer like me. A lot of big heroines could have been a part of this amazing movie wherein my role is significant. Everybody used to love my performance on set. My character in the film comes with two variations. The film takes an 8-year leap, after which she is mellow. Throughout the story, the weight of my character is apparent. The character is inherently strong and I just had to follow my director's instructions.
All village-based films have women as dependent characters. Varaalu (my name in the movie) is strong and independent. Any woman would want to be like her. She takes a firm stand. In real life, I don't know how practical it is for women to be like her.
Nagarjuna sir is a charming performer. Getting an opportunity to be a part of his project itself was overwhelming. He is warm and sweet as a person. A big-hero film having so much space for the female lead is a rare thing. I am lucky to have got to work with a hero who gave my character the space it deserved. He is known for onscreen romance. You will see the amount of romance as demanded by the script. It was fun working with him, it never felt like I was working with a big star. Allari Naresh, Raj Tarun and I have some scenes. I have scenes with almost all the main characters.
The film was completed in just 3-4 months. At one point, it was incredible that the project was wrapped up at a breakneck speed. Director Vijay Binni multi-tasked. Only he could have done that. He is experienced as a choreographer and knows how to handle individuals. I have worked with more than fifteen directors till now. Some are too blunt, some are short-tempered. On the other hand, Vijay is so sweet and pampers his artists.
Producer Srinivasaa Chitturi garu must score a big hit with this film. The banner is quite sorted and always supportive. The banner is passionate about bringing out the best.
Nag sir was there as a pillar of support. This is not my first village-based film. I have done one before, in Kannada. I am good at getting a grip on rural dialects. I enjoy speaking in rural dialects. I have dubbed for my character. It's still on hold. I don't know if they will retain my voice or not.
I don't call 'Amigos' disappointing. It was an experience although my role was minimal. This is my 8th year in the film industry. Doing 'Amigos' gave me the confidence to handle a full-fledged role in 'Naa Saami Ranga'. It is always different with different movies that we do. In the OTT era, commercial movies can't afford to use female leads as mere props. The writers are putting in the required effort to write meaty parts for women.
I admire Anushka Shetty ma'am a lot. People do compare me with her in terms of looks. While I admire her, I want to have my identity and be called Ashika! I would want to be a part of a Rajamouli film someday (smiles). I am doing a film opposite Siddharth in Tamil. That's my second Tamil film. In Kannada, I have two films there.
