With lead actresses like Trisha, Asin, Nayanthara (who is on the verge of retiring) and Shriya Saran moving away from Kollywood, it is time for young and vibrant girls to make their foray into K’town. Taapsee Pannu, the tall Punjabi girl who is already a hit in Tollywood is all set to sizzle in Tamil films soon. Said to be the next big thing in Kollywood, with two films in her kitty – Aadukalam and Vandhaan Vendraan, the former Miss India winner for Best Skin, Taapsee, talks to DC about her passion for dance, entry into films and working with Dhanush in a candid interview.
From modelling to tinsel town: It was not a planned move. I am a very transparent person and need a new challenge every day. With my numerous modelling assignments, initially I never thought I could ever act. After a point, modelling became so monotonous and I needed a change. I thought entering the film industry would give me more opportunities to meet various people and travel while doing films. Around the same time, I was called for Aadukalam.
On replacing Trisha in Aadukalam: My first film offer was from Kollywood although my subsequent Telugu film Jhumandi Naadam got released recently. When I came down to Chennai, I did not know anything about me replacing Trisha. I had no clue about how big actor Dhanush and director Vetri Maaran were. I was told that they were searching for a heroine.
The language
barrier: Even when I was in my second year of engineering, I got offers from Tollywood. I was apprehensive to take it up due to my fear of coping with the language. And, the whole process of shooting for a movie was fast for me. But I was determined to learn and be a part of the team. Vetri Maaran sir was particular that there should be no prompting, no cut shots, which sounded rude to me initially, but later I realised that it was for my own good. To top it all, the language was a Madurai slang. Fortunately, he gave me proper training on my dialect, looks and the role. And since I’ve learnt Kathak for eight years, my dancing skills came in handy.
barrier: Even when I was in my second year of engineering, I got offers from Tollywood. I was apprehensive to take it up due to my fear of coping with the language. And, the whole process of shooting for a movie was fast for me. But I was determined to learn and be a part of the team. Vetri Maaran sir was particular that there should be no prompting, no cut shots, which sounded rude to me initially, but later I realised that it was for my own good. To top it all, the language was a Madurai slang. Fortunately, he gave me proper training on my dialect, looks and the role. And since I’ve learnt Kathak for eight years, my dancing skills came in handy.
On her role in Aadukalam: I play Irene Clauge, an Anglo Indian from Madurai who is pressurized by her family to go to Australia for higher studies. But since she is more grounded, independent and strong here, she wants to stay back. I’m looking forward to the movie and waiting for the audiences’ reaction.
Experiences while working with Dhanush: I was very comfortable with him. After I came here, I realised the kind of fan following that Dhanush had. At no point of time he made me feel that he was a big star. He is a person who is very genuine on screen as well as off it. He used to share his experiences of how he started from scratch and has achieved what he has today.
On Vetri Maaran: The character I play was not even one per cent close to my real life! But I am touched by the faith Vetri sir had in me. He transformed me completely to fit the character. Whenever I get worked up Dhanush and Vetri sir would say, ‘We are there’.”
On SKIN SHOW: Raghavendra Rao uncle is a veteran, who projects his heroines in a classy manner. So the question never arose there. But I can’t take the risk with every director. I really do not want to go overboard and I am not in for exposing! My performance should fetch me more films rather than my skin show. Though I am unpredictable in real life, my principles and objectives remain the same. I came to the industry after I completed my engineering degree and with an offer letter from Infosys. When I entered films, I was prepared for anything. I also had A-B-C plans to fall back upon. It is not for the money that I am here. It is the love for the field that brought me here.
On selecting roles: Something should tell me that this film will work. In my next Tamil film, Vandaan Vendran, with Jiiva, which is directed by Kannan, my role is totally different. I play Anjana, who has studied abroad and has come back here. The role is that of a city-bred girl. I am excited to be a part of the project. Similarly, every role I play in Telugu films is surprising. I am working with Vishnu in Hemanth Madhurkar’s debut Telugu direction. In Prabha’s film with Dasarath, I play a tomboy. And there is one more film titled Veera with Ravi Teja
Bollywood beckons: I did get few offers from Bollywood. But as of now, my hands are full with Telugu and Tamil projects. I am not desperate to get into Bollywood now. If something comes along, that’s fine.
