Actress

Acting in an epic and a non-fictional film is a big challenge for actors, as they need to research extensively about the characters they are playing before stepping into their shoes.

Over the years, I have realised that it takes a great team for a film to succeed.

I am pleased about making a comeback in Bollywood, but then I really cannot think about leaving South Indian cinema. Whatever I am today is because of South films, and I cannot give up on that.

Out of sheer respect for the people I look up to in the industry, I do say 'yes' to projects at times. It helps me learn a lot. Also, if I am playing a small role in a good, content-driven film, I say yes to it. But there have been times when I said 'no' to films because I was not convinced with the content.

I don't appreciate people who discriminate on the basis of colour.

I can memorise Tamil lines fast. I feel at home speaking the language.

Despite a good subject if the director is not up to the mark, the execution can go wrong.

'Queen' is an interesting film, and I have always been motivated by roles that help alleviate women empowerment in some form.

Acting began as a casual thing, but along the way, I did films like 'Happy Days,' '100% Love,' and 'Baahubali' that made me fall in love with cinema. I can't imagine being in any other profession.

Being appreciated for playing a female warrior seems too good to be true. I enjoy playing such empowered roles, and on a related note, that's why I agreed to become the brand ambassador for the Beti Bachao, Beti Padhao campaign.

The combo of a great story and good director works for me.

Your shoes and bags don't need to match always. It's perfect to be mismatched, too.

Humshakals totally exist. In fact, I was on one of these social networking websites, and I noticed that there is this entire research done on Hollywood celebrities who look like each other.

There are ups and down in one's career.

People think actresses have fame and money, but they are not aware of the difficulties we undergo. People should understand that we are sacrificing so much for our survival.

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.

After a series of failures, to be part of a project like 'Baahubali: The Beginning' is dream-like, and it's easily the most unexpected thing of my career.

I feel that to a great extent, the industry is fixated with fair skin, and that needs to change.

I think all of us have enemies in disguise, but there is nothing much you can do about that. You have to live with it. I just do my own thing and let the enemies be.

As an actress, all I can do is choose from the films I am offered.