Actress

It's a constant quest to push the bar and work in films that allow me to prove what I can do as an artist.

I love being part of the movie-making process. There is magic. There is an element of mystery and unpredictability.

The audience is expecting good work from me. They want me to do roles that are unique and important in the story. So, I am trying to focus on different characters to play. I am doing the kind of films which are completely different from each other.

I owe all the name and fame I have earned to regional cinema.

I have changed a lot as a person coming into showbiz and meeting a cross section of people from all walks of life; it was an amazing experience. But that's the privilege I had of being early into showbiz.

I choose my films in a way that helps me do justice to all of them. Also, I like doing time-consuming films like 'Baahubali'; it's sometimes more rewarding than doing lots of small films.

Making a mark becomes more challenging when you are a part of a multi-starrer. But I like that.

Audiences want to watch good films, even if it is dubbed in another language.

It was never a conscious decision to stay away from Telugu cinema.

As an actor, I do not come with preconceived notions. I am like clay that can be moulded or like a sponge that can absorb things. I do what the director wants me to do.

As far as the industries go, in the North, they think I'm a South Indian actress; down South, I've always been thought of as a Bombay girl. I guess it's sort of an identity crisis, even though I'd like to belong to all the industries.

I have changed a lot as a person coming into showbiz and meeting a cross section of people from all walks of life; it was an amazing experience. But that's the privilege I had of being early into showbiz.

I would love to do realistic films that are entertaining.

I am indeed fortunate to work with some reputed directors like Balaji Sakthivel, Sekhar Kammula, and KV Anand sir. Each one of them has a different style, and every day is a learning experience for me.

I like Hyderabad Biriyani, and when I go to Hyderabad, I have biriyani without fail in the hotels.

Yes, I charge a certain remuneration fee, and yes, producers do pay me that sum. But if I didn't deserve it, why would somebody pay me an exorbitant amount?

I think glamour is a perception, and I am not against it.

My team or I didn't enjoy any administrative authority in the creative role play for the Telugu version of 'Queen.'

I always wanted to be an actor, and I wanted to be a part of good movies. Wherever I get to do these two things, it's enough for me.

In commercial cinema, roles for heroines are limited to being simple or glamorous. I don't want to fall into an image trap.