Amala Paul in wedding mode

Kochi: In just a few hours, one of South India’s most established and loved actresses, says ‘I do’, in a Christian ring exchange ceremony, in Aluva, Kochi. Actress Amala Paul is all set to wed critically acclaimed Tamil film director A.L. Vijay.

In an exclusive to DC, happy and not hiding it, Amala opens her heart about the love of her life, why she decided to marry and her plans for the run up to her big day.

It’s quite usual to get cold feet as the date of the most important day in a woman’s life, her marriage approaches. Nonetheless, Amala seems as bubbly as she appears on screen. With the ebullience of a bride-to-be, she asks, “Can you believe it? I’m getting married and I just can’t wait. It’s been crazy since the day we decided the date.” It was just a few months ago, that the actress went ‘online’ about her relationship.

What did the director do to sweep her off her feet? She gushes, unlike reel life, there was no drama in their real love story. “We worked together in a couple of Tamil films and while I was always impressed by Vijay’s professionalism, it was his humility and respect for women that caught my eye. He is so courteous to everyone. He is very close to his mom, likewise, my mom and I are very close too. But I never expressed it enough, until I saw Vijay. He is the best thing to have happened to me.”

In this age of porcelain stars with evasive responses, Amala Paul has been refreshingly honest and open about her relationship with Vijay. “Why should I hide it from anyone. When I knew he was the man, I wanted everyone to know. Though I’m just 23, I felt this was the right time to get married. I was settled professionally; when I met Vijay, my personal life felt complete. My mother always used to tell me that a woman’s life is complete with a man. And Vijay is that man,” she shares.

The fashonista enjoys sashaying down the red carpet in the best designer ensembles and Amala’s wedding trousseau is no different. The actress will be wearing a custom-made white wedding gown by Delhi-based designer Himangi for the traditional ring exchange ceremony in Kochi, today; a lehenga by  celebrated designer Anita Dongre for the sangeet, later this evening; a traditional Kanjeevaram saree for the Hindu style wedding in Chennai on June 12; followed by a Sabyasachi Mukherji lehenga for the reception on the same day. “I had everything planned even before we zeroed in on the dates. I also had my jewellery handpicked  from Amraapali and Joy Alukkas,” says the doe-eyed beauty.

The actress reveals that she’s not pulling the plugs on her career just yet, but adds that she will take it slow. “I’ve been working round the clock ever since I started. Now, I want to spend time with my husband and family, enjoy being a homemaker and a wife. I’ll complete the films I’ve already committed to and then take a break. Also, I wanted to leave films before films left me. Having said that, acting is in my blood, only there is a change in my priorities now. No more commercial potboilers for me.”

Amala and Vijay hope to make their wedding an even more meaningful affair by incorporating donations for charity. “Guests have been clearly told not to bring bouquets or gifts. Cash gifts will go as donations to ‘Ability Foundation’. Many people want to do some good, but never find a proper platform. I want my wedding to serve as a platform for good deeds.”

She leaves, saying, she still has ‘loads to do’, “I’d like to thank all my fans and the media for their love and support. I love you guys!!”