Everyone wants to know about Imavni and how she landed the plumb role of Prabhas’ heroine in her debut film. Director Hanu Raghavapudi tells us what made him choose her. (Image by arrangement)
Prabhas’ next film, tentatively titled Fauji, has officially begun with a puja in Hyderabad. Aside from the interest generated by the hero, the film is also drawing attention because of the leading lady – Imanvi. Debuting with Prabhas on the big screen is surely every aspiring actress’ dream, and, in the case of the social media star, whose real name is Iman Esmail, the dream actually came true. Director Hanu Raghavapudi gave Lipika Varma some captivating insights Continued from page 1
“We found Imanvi through social media,” said the director. “It is a good and easy tool to find new talent. Many industry people don't know how to reach the right talent, but definitely, social media helps filmmakers choose suitable actors to play the characters they have created.”
Asked why he picked Imanvi, Hanu said, “She is very pretty and talented. Like everyone else, I too watched her dance videos. She’s a great Bharatanatyam dancer. But what tilted the balance was her eyes. She has very expressive, speaking eyes, and I thought I would give her a shot.”
The director said it was a collective decision to pick Imanvi. “We all decided we should call her. Thereafter, we auditioned her and also did a screen test.” He stressed that Prabhas too liked the screen test, and said she was the unanimous choice for leading lady. The director said it took almost 15 days to finalize Imanvi’s casting.
Agreeing that Imanvi was lucky to be debuting opposite Prabhas, a role which many can only dream of, Hanu said she was born in Delhi and brought up in LA.
Agreeing that Imanvi was lucky to be debuting opposite Prabhas, a role which many can only dream of, Hanu said she was born in Delhi and brought up in LA.
He however declined to comment on whether she would be seen performing classical dances in the film, saying he would not like to say anything that would give a hint about the storyline at this point. “You will have to wait for some time,” he said. Reacting to media reports that Prabhas plays an Indian soldier in the British Army in the period film, Hanu dismissed the reports as mere speculation. “In my press release I have mentioned that this is a period film set in1940 but we have not yet announced anything about the storyline or characters,” he asserted.
Heaping praise on Prabhas, Hanu described him as an actor who could fit into any role the story demanded, including a futuristic narrative like Kalki. “He is an actor who all filmmakers dream of to take their story forward,” he added.
( Source : Deccan Chronicle )
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