Tamil industry has always been warm and welcoming towards actors from either Kerala or Karnataka or Mumbai. Artistes are aware that films made here have substantial roles for their female counterparts too. Anupama Parameswaran, the Premam (2015) girl, is the latest entrant into K’town with the Dhanush-starrer Kodi, which will release during the Diwali weekend.
This Dhanush-fan who was secretly hoping to work with him gushes, “I am excited to make my acting debut in Tamil, that too alongside stars like Dhanush and Trisha. I consider myself blessed. It’s like a dream-come-true of-sorts. I have seen his films like Aadukalam (2011). What an amazing actor he is!”
There was a break between Premam and Trivikram’s A Aa and that’s when she signed Kodi. “When director Durai Senthilkumar approached me with the script, I liked the role. My character Malathi — a responsible girl from a rural area — is different from the roles I have done previously,” she says.
Is she anything like her character? She chuckles, and says, “No, I am not all that chamathu in real life. I found the script perfect for a beginner like me. This is going to be a special film. I knew it when Durai approached me with the story.”
While Dhanush has consistently been delivering films that audience love to watch, Anupama is all praises for his working style. “I was curious to know how he’d transform his looks when he is on sets. It was an awesome experience to work with him as he’s down-to-earth and friendly. He encouraged me a lot,” she says excitedly.
She’s convinced that Kodi is a perfect launch pad for her and admits that it’s the best thing that could have happened to her career at this stage. “I was never apprehensive about being ‘a second heroine’ or whatever you call it. Trisha has been in the industry for a long time and she’s a sweetheart. I did what was given to me perfectly,” she tells us.
Anupama calls herself an “artiste by chance” as she never thought she’d become an actor “Till this date, when I go outside, people associate me with the characters that I have done; They connect to me that way,” she says.
As the D-day approaches is she nervous? “I am not tense, but I am anxious. That’s how it is with every film! I think the Tamil audience will accept me in this film, just like they did with my character in Premam,” she grins.
After working in Tamil, Telugu and Malayalam industries, does she find a difference? “Each one is different and special in its own way. To me, only the story matters. I am open to working with anyone. As of now, I want to do interesting roles. At the same time, I don’t want to jump at whatever comes my way,” she insists adding that she will accept offers only when she is confident about the roles.
Language isn’t a problem for Anupama. “Even for Kodi, I dubbed for my role,” she points out. Now that one wish is ticked off her list, her next wish is to work with Mani Ratnam. “Who doesn’t want to!” she laughs.
While Dhanush essays dual roles in Kodi for the first time in his career, Trisha is playing a character with grey shades. You may recall that Anupama replaced Shamlee as the latter made an exit citing date issues.
What’s next? “I am shooting for Sathamanam Bhavathi opposite Sharavanand. I’ve also been reading a few Tamil scripts, but haven’t agreed to to any,” she shares. Looks like the promising actor has already begun to go places!