When there are several pressing issues like water shortage etc to be addressed, why do the netizens troll me for keeping my surname of 'Iyer'?" retorts Abhirami Iyer, the anchor turned actress of Nerkonda Paarvai fame who hit the limelight with her Bigg Boss stint. DC caught up with the actress at the launch of her web series Iru Dhruvam streamed on Sony Liv. Directed by Kumaran and bankrolled by Pramod, Abhirami is paired with actor Nandha in the investigative thriller.
"I have come up in life the hard way. I used to attend several auditions and I didn't get a chance. And the worst part is they won't even inform me that I did not get selected. And Nerkonda Paarvai with Ajith sir is a turning point in my career," says a composed Abhirami.
Ask her about Ajith and her eyes light up. "It was a wonderful experience working with Ajith sir. He used to call me Abhiramiji on the sets. I felt so self-conscious and told him, 'Please call me Abhirami sir'. And he said 'then you also call me Ajith instead of Ajithji. He is humility personified. After coming out of Bigg Boss house, I am yet to meet Ajith sir. I have asked time to meet him. Recently, I went to the theatre for the 50th day celebration of NKP. Since it had huge social message to convey, people started recognising me and were praising us for the theme. It was a gratifying moment for me."
So, what next? A film with Vijay, we ask. "Yes, I am keen to work with Vijay sir. Let's see (smiles)." On Iru Dhuruvam she sys, "It has an intriguing script. I play Nandha's wife and mother of a child. Nandha essays a cop. The entire story revolves around my character who gets murdered."
Shifting the subject to her being trolled for her caste name, she responds. "In films, my name appears as Abhirami Venkatachalam. In web series they put it as Abhirami Iyer. I am not doing anything purposely. What's wrong in keeping Iyer? Even, if I don't use that suffix, they would troll. Anyway, people can channelise their energy in addressing better things than trolling trivial issues."
The tall actress says she has signed few films and an official announcement would be made soon.
