The call of the arclights

Sonu Anna Jacob always had a penchant for anchoring. But it was a Facebook post by television-host-turned-actor Jewel Mary that led Sonu to emceeing. “I had received offers from television channels to host shows. But, I couldn’t take them up as I was busy with my studies. I saw Jewel Mary’s post about a firm looking for emcees, almost eight months ago. I applied for it and got it,” says Sonu, who moved to acting later. She is now a part of Midhun Manuel Thomas’ latest venture Alamara. “I have been doing shows inside and outside the state. And, one day I come across the audition call for Midhun Chettan’s movie.”.

“I  play the character Divya, sister of Sunny Wayne’s character, in the movie. She is a naughty person and is there throughout the movie. I am happy that I could do a significant character in my debut movie,” she adds. Sonu had acted in a video song Onavarnagal before. “That was the first time I faced the camera,” she says. The shooting of Alamara was held in Kochi and Bengaluru. “I was the only first-timer on the sets. Obviously, I was a little tense,” she smiles. “But, prior to the shoot, Midhun chettan brought me to the set and introduced me to actors and briefed me the technical aspects of movie making so that I would have a clear idea about what it takes. That was a relief,” adds Sonu, a native of Punalur. She is currently settled in Ernakulam with her parents and brother.

Sonu’s combination scenes were mostly with Seema G. Nair, Renji Panickar, and Sunny Wayne. “I had a 13 to 14-day shoot. The whole experience was good,” says the 22-year-old. Ask her about her future plans, she says, “I want to continue emceeing. Also, I am listening to other scripts. My CA final examinations will be in 2018. So, I have enough time to pursue my passion. I want to do more movies with good characters,” she signs off.