Politico uninterrupted

Actor-turned politician, the Sandalwood queen Ramya, has been in the news for her ‘bold’ political statements. While she is busy working for the public and farmers, she is also thrilled that her upcoming release, (one of her ‘probable’ last few films) is an epic fantasy —Nagarahaavu.

In an exclusive interview with Bengaluru Chronicle, Ramya talks about Nagarahavu, giving us a glimpse of her ‘epic avatar’ and the surprises she has in store for her die-hard fans who have been waiting to see her on the silver-screen. She also shares her memories down the lane with Sahasahima, the late Dr Vishnuvardhan.

Here is an excerpt from the interview:
Q. Ever since you chose politics, you have been selective about films. So, what really excited you to take up Nagarahaavu?
A: Ever since I  joined politics, I have not had the time to take up new projects. Nagarahavu is a film that I worked on and complete in 2012-2013. When I first heard the script in 2012, I was excited to be a part of it as I had a good time working on a period film like Katari Veera, and I wanted to do another like that. Although the story is very different, it is a period film and I enjoy playing such roles as it takes you back in time. The director is of repute and I have watched his film, Arundathi and I enjoy this genre of films very much.

Q.  Nagarahaavu, is a tribute to the legend late Dr Visnuvardhan  (ncluding a few minutes of digital presence of him), how was experience working for this film?
A. Like I said, I enjoy working in fantasy genre  and the experience was equally fun and fascinating. When I saw the trailer and I saw Vishnu sir I had goosebumps. It was a thrilling moment.

Q. How was it to work with director such as Kodi Ramakrishna of Arundathi fame?
A. Kodi Ramkrishna sir is a legend. He knows his craft very well, he is also a visionary. He was very nice to work with. During our breaks he would tell us a lot of stories from the past. He is very witty and his style of story telling is very compelling and intriguing.

Q. How challenging was it for to portray your character in the film?
A. There are two characters that I play. Actually three. I will speak about two and let you be surprised with the third. While one is a woman who is the head of a village, strong, independent, care taker of a the village temple and can fight, the other is a modern, independent woman who can sing and dance.

Q. Any special preparations for the fantasy role?
A. One of the roles required me to do stick fighting and I had to learn that. There is a long sequence in the film, it was gruelling but it was fun too. Other than that, dancing is something I really work hard on and it does not come easily to me.

Q. As the film and title relates to Sahasasimha. How do you remember Vishnu sir?
A. I have known Vishnu sir even before I became an actress. He was a dear friend of my father’s. He was quite spiritual and a good human being. I remember singing and dancing to one of his songs Bare santhege hogona ba... as a kid. I have worked with Bharathi maam and she too has been very kind and we have shared so many stories. When I got my first film offer and I spoke to him about it, he told me he was happy and after the film released, he said- you have the talent, you will go a long way.

Q. Many still recognise you as an actress and then a politician. What is your plan as far as your acting career is concerned?
A. Honestly, I don’t have the time for it. There are too many problems in the real world that I can’t ignore at the moment and make time to film.