Having made her debut in the 1998-Telugu movie Chandralekha, co-starring Nagarjuna, Isha Koppikar Narang went on to act in several films in the South. Once tagged the Khallas girl for doing a special number in Ram Gopal Varma’s 2002-film Company, Isha will be soon seen in the series called Kadapa, in which she dons a real life character.
Her next Tamil Sci-Fi film is Ayalaan in which she apparently does lots of action (which she compares to the Angelina Jolie film Lara Croft). Isha, who’s a black belt in Taekwondo, is very excited about Ayalaan.
Excerpts from the interview:
2020–21 has been a happening year for you, professionally
Yes, and 2022 is going to be a happening year for me, too. Sharad Kelkar and I are cast in a South-Indian film called Ayalaan, which is a multilingual Sci-Fi film directed by Ravi Kumar. It’s a one-of-its-kind film with some wonderful special effects.
How was your reception down South when you started your first innings here?
I was welcomed warmly, and I had some great innings, which I cherish. I was also tagged the ‘Southern-Siren’ and I was happy with that tag. [Smiles].
Now you’re back in the south. How does that feel?
I’m happy that I’ve been bestowed upon not one but a few more chances again; it feels so nice. And given this is a multi-lingual film with a Hindi version too. Presently, the film is in post-production, and though the shooting is over, because there are a few graphics, I think the film will see the light of the day next year.
Your role in Ayalaan?
I play the antagonist, opposite Sharad Kelkar, and have grey shades. It’s a role like that of Lara Croft with lots of action in it.
You played a meticulous antagonist in the 2003-film Qayamat: City under Threat. And now this?
I believe only the hero and villain are prominent in any film. Most times, girls don’t have much to do — they’re either running around the trees or just playing a second fiddle to the hero. Movies that have a female as the protagonist are a lot of fun. I want to do a film in which a female plays a pivotal character, with everything revolving around her.
You think audiences would relate to grey shades?
Of course people like to watch them as such characters do exist in real life because of which audiences can relate with them. And remember; even Shah Rukh Khan started with a strong negative character in the 1993-film Darr.
You’re again joining hands with director RGV. What changes do you note in him?
(Laughs aloud) Yes. I share an excellent rapport with Ramu. Just as you had mentioned here, I did get the Khallas tag for doing a song for his film. As for changes, I believe everybody changes but creativity never dies. My project with Ramu is titled Kadapa, and it’s based on an ultra-violent region in the South. It’s a true life story about the relationship of the character I portray, which belongs to the NTR era. I play a North Indian who’s posted there and speaks Hindi.
