‘I am happy when people say that they write characters with me in mind’

13/12/2017

Actress Anjali does not hesitate to call a spade a spade. Be it the decision to handle her film career all by herself or clarifying that she has no sister acting in films, she says she clears the air whenever there is something that needs her intervention. Known for her natural acting, the actress recently won the Nandi Awards for the Best Actress for her role in the movie Geethanjali.
In a chat with us, Anjali talks about her upcoming movies, what she is really kicked about now, and her fitness goals.
How has 2017 been to you?
I have signed quite a number of movies in 2017 and they are under various stages of production. I had a release in Telugu and now my upcoming release is Balloon, a multilingual, which is a horror thriller. Peranbu with Mammootty sir is ready and I have a couple of more movies in Tamil ready for release. In Malayalam, I am acting with Biju Menon in Rosapoo and that movie is also ready for release.
It seems you pick a lot of horror-themed scripts? What is this fascination for horror films?
It is not that I'm looking for horror scripts. I pick good scripts. When I hear a narration and feel that there is scope for me to perform, I immediately opt for the same. I am very particular that I listen to the entire story and also go through the bound script before I commit for the film. If time permits, I listen to the script, scene-by-scene or shot-by-shot. When I listen to certain scripts, I get a gut feeling that it will click. Till now, such intuitions have worked for me. It's that spark that makes me commit to a film. So far, I have been bang on with my instinct. In fact, I have two more horror movies in the pipeline.
About your role in Balloon?
I play Jacqueline, alias Jack, in the movie. It's a performance-oriented role and I loved working with the team. I don't want to reveal much about the movie and spoil the suspense. The movie has Jai and Janani Iyer doing important roles.
How was it working with Jai? Also, some of the pictures of him making dosas and writing a letter to you have gone viral. What about your relationship with him off screen?
He is a good actor and I know him for several years. We have worked together in several movies.
If you recall, you will realise that I have never commented on those social media posts. I make it a point to stand by my words. I don't give statements just because some others are making their own statements.
Only if am sure that I need to comment on something I express my views. I don't want to create hype or confusion by unnecessarily commenting on each and everything. If something disturbs me and I think I should react, I express my opinion. Else, I simply don't care.
Are you seeing anyone?
(Laughs), I don't want to answer this question. Whatever I say people will not listen and they keep writing something or the other. I am bored of answering this question.
Many of your movies have multiple heroines. How comfortable are you doing multi-heroine films?
I am absolutely okay with multi-heroine movies. But that doesn't mean I don't care about what the movie is.
What I look for in a movie is my role and if I am satisfied with my character, I have no qualms doing multi-heroine projects. If you look at my film career, I have done quite a few such projects. Since the beginning of my career, that has been my way. Also I don't fight with anyone. I make friends fast and as long as I'm convinced about my character I have no issues working with other heroines.
There is so much of talk on nepotism. Do you have a godfather in the industry?
I was introduced by Ram sir in Tamil and I consider him my godfather. He still addresses me as Anandhi, my character's name from my Tamil debut, Kattradhu Thamizh, which he directed. While we were shooting for Peranbu, Mammootty sir got confused with my name since Ram sir kept on addressing me as Anandhi. Once he even asked, 'Unga paer Anjaliya Anadhiya?' When I explained it in detail, he said, 'Appo, neenga iniyum first characterileya irukkengala.' Ram sir is known for his intense movies and it's a challenge to essay the characters in his films. Ram sir taught me not to act. He had said in my first movie, 'Never ever act but live the role.' So before I commit a film, I see whether I can live the character or not.
How was it working with Mammootty and tell us about your role...
He is a veteran actor and I play a very challenging and important role in the movie. I often used to wonder how he would respond to my acting and that tension was there throughout the movie. I don't want to say much about my role, but my character in the movie is such that I can't over emote. It's all about subtle emotions.
What about your Malayalam film?
I am doing Rosapoo in Malayalam with Biju Menon. It's directed by debutant Vinu Joseph. I am extremely happy that I am part of the movie. I found my role, Rashmi, very interesting and a unique one. It has many shades to it and I often struggled to bring in the various dimensions of the character while shooting for it. When Vinu met me for narration, he said that he had me in mind while writing the character. I am happy when people say that they write characters with me in mind. Another highlight is that I will be giving voice-over for my character since I play a Tamil speaking girl.

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