Bala’s ‘Nenu Devudni’, which hit the screens recently, has won many appraisals from critics as well as the audience. Especially the performances of the lead actors Arya and Pooja are extra-ordinary. The film is also expecting many awards this year. Pooja Umashankar, who played a blind begger in ‘Nenu Devudni’, spent some time to talk about her experiences in the film and the feedback she is getting from various walks of life. Here are some excerpts:
How did you get the chance in Nenu Devudni?
Initially another heroine was selected for the role. But as she fell ill and the shooting was getting delayed, Bala sir approached me and called for an audition. It took some time for him to decide whether to cast me or not, because this is a complicated film and the role I played needed lot of dedication. Finally, having got the opportunity I wanted to completely concentrate on this film and put in my efforts to maximum extent possible.
You are getting so many appraisals for your performance in Nenu Devudni. How are you feeling about that?
I’m very happy to note the positive reception coming from all walks of life. It’s a wonderful experience since I never ever expected so much of response coming for this role. Today, whatever appreciation I’m getting, all the credit goes to my director Bala sir who extracted the maximum from me, my co-artist Arya for giving me full support and the entire technicians of this film who are also equally responsible. Without them, it would not have been be possible to project my role so naturally on screen.
How did you enter into films?
I’ve not planned to enter into films at all. It just happened accidentally one day while I was shopping in Bangalore. Cinematographer Late Jeeva saw me in a shopping mall and approached me with a film titled ‘Ullame Ketkume’ opposite Arya. The film also has Shyam and Asin. However, it was ‘Je Je’ with Madhavan that got released first.
How was it working with a heroine like Asin in your very first film?
‘Ullam Ketkume’ is a debut film for both of us. But still I can say that Asin is a professional actress right from her first film. It’s a nice experience to work with such sincere actress.
Do you hail from Bangalore?
Actually my father is from Mangalore and my mother is a Sri Lankan. I was brought up and also did my education in Bangalore.
Apart from Tamil, have you tried your luck in any other language?
Well, I’m yet to do so. I’ve serious plans to make my debut in Telugu films but before that I want learn to speak the language. Since Kannada script is similar to that of Telugu I’m confident about learning it fast.
What kind of roles do you prefer?
I don’t like to restrict myself to particular kind of roles. I like doing all types of roles like glamour as well as deglamourised ones.
Generally if any actor or actress make their first impression in a particular kind of role, it’s difficult for them to come out from that image. Now do you think it is easy to impress the Telugu audience in portraying the glamous role having done an off-beat role in Nenu Devudni?
Yes, as an artist I’m supposed to play all types of roles. We cannot stick to a particular image and keep doing routine roles. In that case, even by doing so, we cannot succeed. Therefore, I feel we need to experiment with various characters to prove ourselves as a good artist. I’ve done glamour as well as deglamour roles in Tamil. Likewise, I would like to try different roles in Telugu also.
Is it because of your association with Arya that you got chance to play in Nenu Devudni?
Most of the people keep asking me this. But it’s nothing to do with that. Arya is just a good friend of mine. The reason for Bala sir to select me for the role was, he thought that I would aptly suit the role than anyone else. That’s it.
There is a talk that Nenu Devudni had strengthened your relationship with Arya?
These rumours are baseless. It’s only because we worked together in four films, we have a good rapport. I’m happy that our on screen chemistry is so strong that such rumours are arising and due to that our film is further getting promoted.
Have you watched any Telugu film so far?
I’ve been trying to watch ‘Happy Days’ but unfortunately I got a pirated DVD in Bangalore. Now that I’m in Hyderabad I would grab an original one before I leave the city.
Do you have any role models?
You see, as I said before that an actress needs to do all kinds of roles to prove her potential. I can say that Simran is the best example for many heroines today. I also like Juhi Chawla for her simplicity.
