Chennai: They say good things come to people who wait; and the saying couldn’t be truer than in the case of international supermodel-turned-actress Surabhi Prabhu.
The diva, known for her bold roles and item songs down south, has pulled off a coup of sorts being cast in Lagaan director Ashutosh Gowariker’s highly-anticipated debut TV mega series Everest.
With the details of her role and shooting being kept under wraps for more than a year, Surabhi is now ecstatic to finally talk about it.
“Ashutosh is one of those filmmakers who takes the path less travelled, and all his projects are larger than life. When I got the call for the audition, I was actually too nervous to go. I skipped it.
But I got a call that night from the casting director asking me to come the next day, as I had a genuine shot. After my audition, Ashutosh came up to me and said, ‘You’re my Tara’ (the name of her character on the show). Best moment ever!”
Everest will trace the story of a young girl, played by Shamata Anchan, who dreams to reach the top of Mount Everest, and the various challenges she faces, shown over the course of 104 episodes.
Surabhi takes over the mantle of an important character, who also climbs the mountain with the lead protagonist in quest of her aim. “We had a world-class team of experts with us to help us prepare for the role, and of course, Ashutosh’s mind-blowing work ethic and vision.
He initially wanted to make a feature film, but felt he wouldn’t be able to do justice to it within three hours. I’m sure Everest will be a landmark in Indian television history,” quips Surabhi.
The actress is also excited about having composer A.R. Rahman as part of the project, and having acted to his score, she thinks it takes the scenes to a whole new level “Set amidst a backdrop like this, you can imagine his BGM take over.
My character also offers an element of glam to the series, as I’m the only one wearing make-up in the whole cast!” she signs off.
