People say I am missing out on good projects in M-Town as I am a regular face on dance shows

Dancer and actressShamna Kasim aka Poorna started her innings in Mollywood, but has made it big elsewhere. She stepped into the shoes of ace actress Lakshmi and essayed the unforgettable title character in the remake of classic movie Julie. Soon she bagged plum roles in Tamil, Telugu and Kannada. However, the actress who stormed into the numero uno position after winning a dance reality show on television says she will never forget her roots.In a candid chat with Kochi Times, the actress shares why she is more comfortable working in television than acting in movies, her passion for dance, love for good movies, future projects and more.
Excerpts:
You are playing the second lead in Mili. What made you take up the role?
I play a key role in Rajesh Pillai’s woman centric movie Mili, which has Amala Paul and Nivin Pauly playing the lead roles. I play a modern girl, who is very conscious about her looks and attire. On the other hand, Amala is shown as a simple girl, who does not give much importance to her looks. However, in real life, I am just the opposite. I love simple dresses and use only minimal make up. Even my friends chide me for my ‘don’t care’ attitude.
Tell us about your item number in Rajadhi Raja. Did you have any second thoughts about taking it up?
To be frank, I am confused. If an actress does a cameo dance sequence, it is often referred to as an item number, if an actor does the same, it is just a dance number! Initially, I refused the offer because at that time I had put on some weight owing to certain medical reasons. But when I came to know that Vrinda master is the choreographer, I didn’t have any second thoughts; I trust her completely. The first thing I asked the makers was about my costume. Eventually, everything fell in place. I enjoyed shooting the dance sequence at Pollachi; it was fun. The peppy folk track has Malayalam, Tamil, and Hindi lines in it.
You are more popular in other languages. Why is that?
I have done mostly strong roles in Tamil. I am more comfortable working in Tamil films rather than in Malayalam. It could be that the comfort level translated into my performance. In fact, it was Kollywood that treated me like a star. And luckily, most of my films in Telugu and Kannada fared well at box office.
Are you choosy about Malayalam films?
Yes. I am choosy not about Malayalam films alone, but Telugu too. I’m ready to wait for the best role rather than do all the projects coming my way and regret about it later. And I believe in taking up only those projects that I am keen on doing. People have told me that I am missing out on good projects in Malayalam because I am a regular face in dance shows and events. At some point, I have even asked Mollywood directors about this. However, I enjoy working in television more than acting in movies. Now, I am very clear about my passion and I don’t want to compromise on anything. Dance is an extension of what I am today.
You share an uncanny resemblance with Asin
Many people have told me the same. Some have said that I look like Shriya Sarin. Nayanthara have said that I am a mix of many actresses. But I don’t want to compare myself with anyone. And whenever I hear such remarks, I won’t react; I just keep mum.
Where do you see yourself five years from now?
I will be with my happy family —with my husband and children. But now I am single and ready to mingle (laughs). I am planning to get married in 2016. I don’t know whether it will be an arranged marriage or not, but I want to start a new life with the blessings of my parents. And I always pray to God that my future husband will always support my passion for dance.
What are your upcoming projects?
I have signed movies in Tamil, Kannada and Telugu. I play the lead in the second part of my hit Telugu horror film Avunu. I also have two projects in Tamil and Kannada, but I am yet to sign on the dotted line.