Tollywood calling Aish

It seems as though Aishwarya Lekshmi has consumed Felix Felicis, the magical luck potion that brings one fortune after fortune. The model-turned actress, who is romancing two most-admired stars — Nivin Pauly and Tovino Thomas — in two Malayalam films, has also bagged a lead role opposite Nandamuri Kalyan Ram in a Telugu movie. “Everything seems like a dream,” says the pretty lass, who is still excited.

Her debut movie Njandukalude Naattil Oridavela, in which she is paired with Nivin, came to her as a casting call. 

“The makers were looking for girls to play Nivin’s heroine and    sister. I went for the audition dressed in jeans and a t-shirt and sported a messy bun. Director Althaf C. Salim was instantly impressed. That was his vision for the character,” she says. She plays the role of a Bengaluru-based techie, who is happy-go-lucky, just like her.

“I can easily gel with people. So the role didn’t need much homework. But, being my debut, it was difficult, especially the dubbing part,” she says.

Njandu... also marks the return of yesteryear actress Shanthi Krishna to the big screen. All gaga about the actress, Aishwarya says, “You have to see her to believe how pretty she is. You can’t even stand anywhere near her. That’s how radiant she is. Though we had no combination scenes, we interacted a lot. She is a gem of a person.” The movie is expected to reach cinemas on September 1.

In her second movie — Maya Nadhi, directed by Aashiq Abu and penned by Shyam Pushkaran and Dileesh Nair, she portrays  Tovino’s love interest. “Maya Nadhi came soon after Njandu. I auditioned twice, before being chosen. The shoot is so much fun and is a big training ground for a debutante like me. I am often unable to believe that I am working with legends like Shyam ettan. It’s so surreal. Everyone on the sets is so supportive and chill. Maya Nadhi is the best thing that has happened to me,” she explains. 

Interestingly, Maya Nadhi and the Telugu movie were offered to her on consecutive days. She didn’t have to think twice before grabbing them. Her parents were tense, especially after the recent controversy over the safety of actresses. “Dad used to accompany me to the sets. Soon, he realised there is nothing to worry about and now I am on my own,” says Aishwarya, who is also an MBBS student. Only the house surgency part is left now. Along with movies, she also wants to do higher studies.

Right now, Aishwarya is in Chennai, busy with her Telugu coaching classes. She misses her Maya Nadhi crew. “I miss our pep talks between the shots and the fun moments.”