Premi's grand Telugu entry

Most of the family audience might be familiar with Karthika of Karuthamuthu, the dark-skinned girl who passes through difficult situations due to her skin colour. The serial that has received a mixed response from viewers has got its Telugu version. Titled as Karthika Deepam in Telugu, Premi Viswanath, who initially played Karthika’s character in Malayalam, reprises her role in it. The soap opera has started broadcasting on Maa TV.

Premi, who is busy with the fourth schedule of Karthika Deepam says, “We all are hopeful. The promo has received good response from the crowd. People have already started recognising me.” The serial broadcasts from Monday to Saturday. “In Telugu, it is a different production team. My character’s name is Deepa and the male lead is Karthik,” she adds.

Premi says she never expected a call from the Telugu industry. “They had watched Karuthamuthu. Although they organised an audition there for the female lead, they couldn't find a person who would look good in black makeup. Hence, they zeroed in on me,” says the actress.

But, Premi was a little hesitant to take up the project due to language barriers. “When they called me, I wondered how I would work there as I don't know Telugu. That was the first thing I told them, but then they assured me that I could catch up with the language in three months,” she adds. “Even in Malayalam, when the makers first contacted me, I said I didn't know acting,” she laughs.

And, Premi started acting in Karthika Deepam straight away. The Telugu industry is a new experience for her. “Malayalam and Telugu are two entirely different industries. In Malayalam, we try to complete the project within a minimum budget whereas in Telugu, they invest a lot of money into making. Be it sets or equipment, it is luxurious,” says Premi.

Meanwhile, she has been part of two Tamil movies. “After the Karuthamuthu serial, I did the movie Kathirikka Vendakka. Now, I am doing Netholi, in which I play a rough and tough police officer.” Will she come back to Malayalam? “Yes. I want to do more good projects in Malayalam,” she signs off.