I have a different image in each state

Though Shamna Kasim aka Poorna couldn’t make it big in M-Town, she isflying high in Tollywood and Kollywood. The actress candidly says she doesn’t have any regret as other industries are welcoming her with open arms. “A lot of powerful roles are coming my way from Tamil and Telugu, and I am happy with the way my career is progressing,” says Shamna, adding that she has a different image in each state.
“Shamna is a 'hot star' for Malayalis, but for my Telugu and Tamil audience, Poorna is a girl next-door. That is because I have mostly played village belle or de-glam characters in these industries. Whatever people’s perception about me is I’m happy,” says the actress adding that Mollywood directors are ignoring actresses from their own state. “There are several talented Malayali actresses, but still M-Town directors choose actresses from other states.”
Quiz her about her upcoming Malayalam movies, and Shamna says, “After donning an item number in Rajadhi Raja, I got a string of offers to perform similar characters. But I consciously rejected all those offers as I don’t want to be tagged as an item girl. In fact, I feel it’s some kind of a curse that if we do a particular role then throughout the year we will be called for similar roles.”
So does she regret doing an item number in the Mammootty-starrer? “Not at all. It was a beautiful peppy folk number and I enjoyed shooting for it. Moreover, it didn't have any vulgarity,” says Shamna.
Meanwhile, Shamna has been roped in to play a key role in an untitled Telugu film opposite Varun Sandesh. The actress is also globetrotting with her dance shows. She is currently gearing up for a month-long show in the US, which will be directed by Siddique-Lal.