Tamannaah Bhatia: I don't regret my choices, I only look ahead

At the age of 15, when students usually contemplate their future, Tamannaah Bhatia had already taken the first step towards fulfilling her childhood dream of becoming an actress. Though her debut Hindi film,' Chand Sa Roshan Chehra' had a dismal performance at the box office, it didn't dampen her spirit. On the contrary, it strengthened her resolve and she forayed into Telugu cinema with 'Sree'.The next year, she followed it up with Kedi', a Tamil movie. Today, she has several hit films to her credit down South. Now, the 26-year-old wants to show her acting prowess in Hindi cinema.
In a t'te-'-t'te with BT, she talks about her upcoming horror comedy 'Tutak Tutak Tutiya' and reveals why she doesn't regret any of her choices.
You are not only playing a double role in 'Tutak Tutak Tutiya', but this is also the first time that you are doing a trilingual. Were these enough reasons for you to take up the offer?
After the success of 'Bahubali' (2015), in which I played a warrior and my character was much appreciated, I started looking for scripts that gave me the scope to perform. I felt I should do different characters instead of sticking to the kind of roles that I have already done. When director Vijay narrated 'Tutak Tutak Tutiya's story to me, I found it engaging. I was keen to do the film as I got to play a double role. Initially, the makers wanted to release it only in Hindi and Tamil. I suggested that we should do it in Telugu as well as my movies have a good market there. Now, all the three versions are releasing on the same day.
You play a cattle herder who is possessed by the spirit of an actress. Was it challenging enough for you?
It was tough to enact the village girl's part. My skin tone had to be several shades darker. It would take me two hours every day to get ready and we shot in peak summer. So, it was quite tough.
It must have also been tedious to film one shot thrice?
At the inception level, the idea of doing a trilingual seemed exciting. But when we actually started filming, it was difficult. I don't think I can attempt a trilingual again. It was gruelling for everyone but more challenging for me, as I was playing two characters. There were days when I had to essay both the roles, so it was tough changing from one look to another and performing the same shot thrice.
Your films have done well down South. But your Hindi movies ('Himmatwala' and 'Entertainment') haven't worked. What do you think is the reason?
You have some highs and you have some lows. But for me, 'Bahubali' was a huge redemption, as it had a pan India reach. Also, before that, I was known for my dainty image on screen. But everything changed once the movie released. Today, I'm hearing a lot of Hindi scripts and getting more opportunities, thanks to that film.
What kind of roles would you want to take up in Hindi films, especially since filmmakers are experimenting with diverse subjects?
I have always played someone older than myself. Now, I want to play my age. I'm also keen to portray characters which are interesting and challenging. For me, films have always meant entertainment. I don't want to act in a preachy movie just because that is more sensible. I don't watch that kind of cinema. For me, watching a movie is an experience where I can go, eat popcorn and enjoy with my friends and family. I want to be a part of cinema that entertains people.
What attracted you to showbiz?
I always wanted to become an actress. In fact, as a child, I always wondered, 'Yeh log acting toh kar lete hain, par gaana kaise gaate hain'. So, I aspired to be an actor when I didn't even know the concept of playback singing. Thankfully, I had the support of my parents who made a lot of sacrifices to ensure that I realise my dream. Today, if I have made a name for myself, it's mainly because of them.
What hurdles did you face when you started working in the South film industry, especially since you are born and brought up in Mumbai?
The biggest task was being part of a new culture and interacting with people who speak a completely different language. In the past 10 years, I have learnt Tamil and Telugu and I'm comfortable conversing in them. I also had to understand why they make certain kind of films. Once I accepted these facts, it was much easier. Also, my age worked in my favour. When you are 16, you are a student who is open to learning new things and who doesn't have any preconceived notions. Today, if you ask me to go back and do what I did at that time, it would be much more difficult. When you are young, you have nothing to lose as you are receptive to whatever comes your way.
What are the various lessons that you have learnt in your career?
It's important to take success and failure in the right spirit. I neither get excited if a film does well nor do I get disheartened if things don't go that well.
When you look back, do you wish you could have done something differently?
Not at all. At that moment of time, the decision that I took seemed right to me but it didn't work out well due to some reasons. I don't believe in regretting things, I believe in looking ahead. I like to live in the moment.
What have been your fondest memories?
I feel lucky that I'm doing something that I love. There is nothing more tragic than not liking your job. I feel happy that I have been able to pursue something that I truly enjoy and have been appreciated for my achievements. There is a lot more to do and I'm on the quest.
Listen to 'Tutak Tutak Tutiya's soundtrack on Gaana.com