Why the demarcation like north or south in film industry, Priyamani asks
What strikes one about Priyamani as she sits down for an interview, is her simplicity. No starry airs, no make up, is rooted and real.
The multi-lingual, talented actor has managed to make her mark across industries as well as varied platforms. Having completed two decades in films since her debut in Evare Atagaadu, 2003, the actor says though her process has remained the same, it was winning the National Award for Best Actress for Paruthiveeran in 2007 which proved to be the game changer.
“My approach towards my work has always been the same, but post my National Award, people started seeing me in a new light. Many reached out to me saying we want a ‘performer’, ‘an artiste’, for our project. It feels good, when you keep hearing that, but also realize the constant work you have to put in. I am still hungry to do a lot more, and hope to be constantly accepted by the audience.”
With the lens moving away from Bollywood, and the spotlight being on talent across industries, especially the southern film industry, the actor says, “It’s better late than never. I am glad artistes down south are getting the recognition they deserve, but why should there even be a demarcation on what industry — North or South — we represent. We are Indians who represent Indian cinema.”
A shout out for OTT
She acknowledges that OTT has been a contributing factor in this aspect. “OTT has put the focus on talent, creators are willing to look at actors across the board. Not only are actors getting to do more work, but have a wider audience than the cinema we represent. It has also given us all an opportunity to experiment with roles which we probably would not get in a movie,” she says.
The infamous Shuchi, the disgruntled wife of Manoj Bajpayee’s character Srikant Tiwari in the hit series The Family Man, made her social media’s most love-to-hate character. She recounts being flooded with messages by fans of the show chastising her and asking her to be nicer to her onscreen husband.
Is Season 3 all set to roll out?
“We will start after Raj and DK Sirs finish what they are working on. I know there are too many prying eyes on Shuchi, who was the most hated character in Season 2 as well as on Drithi (her screen daughter). Hopefully Season 3 will redeem them and they are not so hated,” Priyamani says with a laugh.
Dream roles
The actor is all set to share the screen with Shahrukh Khan in Atlee’s much-anticipated Jawaan. Last seen on screen with King Khan in the dance number 1-2-3-4... from Chennai Express, Priyamani says, “Jawaan is a dream project, especially working with SRK. After the song I did with him in Chennai Express, this one is going to be something to look out for. It is a dream combination of Atlee’s direction and SRK as hero, six of us heroines opposite him including Sanya Malhotra and Sanjeeda Sheikh. I am super excited about this one.”
Her Maidaan opposite Ajay Devgn may be facing delays regarding its release, but the project based on the true-life story of legendary football coach Syed Abdul Rahim has been worth the while for the actor. Priyamani says the role and the opportunity to work with Ajay Devgn were wonderful. “My character is the motivating, encouraging wife, and it’s such a beautiful film. Though I only shot a few days with Ajay Sir, I am sure the audience will like the heart-warming story.”
The actor however expresses a desire to widen her repertoire. “I want to play a villain. My character in the recent film Custody, has shades of grey, but a full-fledged antagonist will be fun.”
Directorial dreams
She also expresses her desire to get into direction someday. “Apart from acting I am interested in directing, but it’s not something I will do tomorrow. I have been fascinated by the work, how characters are approached, I am very keen on that aspect. As of now, I am happy being in front of the camera, but if something interesting takes off and I have the ability to do it I would love it too.”
The actor is currently promoting her TV series Sarvam Shakthi Mayam which tells the story of a family resolving their complex issues as they travel across the 18 shakti peethas. She plays Priya, a woman whose life revolves around her husband and children. The actor says “One needs to be truly blessed to be doing a show like this and getting to travel around India and that too around the 18 shakti peethas and experience the divine power. Also, I liked my character and how she embarks on a journey of self-discovery.”
Keeping a low profile
At a time when many of her contemporaries and their overactive PR machinery leave no stone unturned in promotional activities on social media, Priyamani maintains a low profile, keeping her private life strictly private. “I have learnt the hard way that not everything is meant for social media. I know it is a way to connect to fans, but a line needs to be drawn on what we put out. People should realise we are human too, have our families, like our privacy, and beyond the arc lights lead very normal lives. I only post when there is a film promotion or a dress that has been styled for an occasion,” she shares.
So with a packed schedule. How does one keep up with her? “If I’m not working, I am either catching up on a good show, meeting a friend, just regular stuff,” she answers.
Highlights:
“My approach towards my work has always been the same, but post my National Award, people started seeing me in a new light. Many reached out to me saying we want a ‘performer’, ‘an artiste’, for our project. It feels good, when you keep hearing that, but also realize the constant work you have to put in. I am still hungry to do a lot more, and hope to be constantly accepted by the audience.”
The actor however expresses a desire to widen her repertoire. “I want to play a villain. My character in the recent film Custody, has shades of grey, but a full-fledged antagonist will be fun.”