Puli is once-in-a-lifetime opportunity: Hansika

Actress Hansika, was in the city to promote her recently released movie Romeo Juliet (RJ). The pretty lady is basking in the glory of the accolades received for her bold role and spoke to DC about her upcoming projects. With her kitty full with half a dozen flicks in Tamil, it was inevitable but to ask if she believes in the word ‘Numero-Uno’. Without having a second thought, the  girl says, she doesn’t believe in number games. “Everyone has a space in the industry. I believe in quality work and want to earn a name for a good perfomance rather than acting in large number of films,” she says.

On teaming up with Jayam Ravi for the second time  after Engeyum Kadhal, she says, “Ravi is a jovial person and a great co-star to work with.  Though predominantly a love story, we both loved the new-fangled characterisation in RJ and were trying to out-do each other.” Hansika is equally excited about her role in Puli where she will play the role of a princess. “Though it might appear fascinating to hear, only I knew how tough it was. Certainly, Puli is a movie to treasure in my career. And I am acting with Vijay once again after Velayudham. Acting in the film sporting heavy jewellery, make-up and grand costumes is no easy task,” she tells us and adds it took nearly three hours to complete her makeup and get ready with the costumes.

“I agree it is a lifetime chance,” she chuckles and praises actor  Vijay.  “He is an amazing co-star and an extremely down-to-earth person, who can make you feel comfortable on the sets. I want to know the secret behind him getting younger with each film,” she says.  When asked if she was insecure about Shruti Haasan’s presence on the sets, she says, they never had any scene together in the film. “Even in Aranamanai and it’s sequel, there are many actresses. What would I be nervous about that? I focus only on what I do,” she smiles. The bubbly actress couldn’t stop talking about Kushboo and Sundar C, who are her best friends in the industry. “Sundar has immense faith in me and so do I. The director always makes me give my best.  So, when he approaches me with a script, I don’t ask him any questions,” she says.

So, does she play a ghost again in Aranmanai sequel? “I honestly do not know the storyline of the movie. Sundarji called me up and asked for my dates. I just gave it.” What’s her take on the dearth of women-centric films down south?“You can’t get a Mary Kom or Tanu Weds Manu every week here. As far as K’town is concerned, the perceptions are changing. Recently we saw Jyothika ma’am in 36 Vayadhinile, which did quite well at the box office. Even in  Aranmanai, though I appear only for 20 minutes, but my character was the fulcrum of the movie,” she says.

Quiz her on her favourite attire, she says, though she was born in Mumbai, she grew up as a south Indian girl.  “I love to dress up in paavadai dhavani when I am not shooting,” she says. And, her favourite food?, “I have always been fond of idlis and dosas. In fact, my friends call me Idly ponnu,” she signs off.