| In Chennai today, in Hyderabad tomorrow. Trisha straddles two film worlds with elan. T. KRITHIKA REDDY catches up with the model-turned-actress |
ROMANCING THE CAMERA Trisha strikes a picture perfect pose
Keeping pace with the hi-voltage Trisha can leave you a bit breathless. She talks nineteen to the dozen - that too with the velocity of a quizmaster in a rapid-fire round. The city is asleep at 11.30 p.m., but the model-turned-actress is all smiles. And not without reason. For life has finally come up orchids for her. With a diary that's crammed with call sheets, Trisha is straddling two cities - Chennai and Hyderabad, devouring every minute under the flashbulb.
In a pause-free interview, she speaks about Hyderabad (sans blues!), her forthcoming Tamil films, pesky people who invade privacy and her personal style. Excerpts:
Looks like Hyderabad has become your second home...
Not second, first. (Laughs) Just joking. But yes, there are plenty of offers. I'm doing "Athadu" with Mahesh Babu and there's a Raghavendra Rao film too. The budgets are big, and above all, I don't feel homesick in Hyderabad. I've picked up the language quite well.
What about your forthcoming Tamil films?
I've been listening to a lot of scripts. Three films will take off soon. There's "Six" with Surya, "Mass" with Vijay and a film with `Jayam' Ravi. Now, I've reached a stage where quality, not quantity matters. There was a time when I was signing films in a frenzy. But we all learn from mistakes. Now, scripts are significant to me. Somehow, the glamour tag stuck to me from the beginning. But it's films like "Gilli" in which I play a thoroughly deglamourised role that satisfy my urge to perform. I don't want to be a wallflower in any film.
From modelling to movies, the crossover was pretty easy for you...
Modelling and films just happened. Might sound clichéd. But that's the truth. I remember even as a child I just wanted to become famous. After winning the Ms. Chennai crown, the transition to films was a natural option. Even my debut film shoot didn't make me nervous. It was a Priyadarshan film. The veteran director knows how to handle newcomers. He made me do very light scenes before venturing into intense ones.
What is it that you like about your career?
Oh! I simply love what I'm doing. I can't imagine myself doing monotonous jobs in offices. There's so much variety in this line. Every day is a fresh experience. But yes, there are some minuses as well - erratic work schedules could leave you stressed out. Sometimes, when you want to wrap up films you are forced to do even two shifts a day. There's so much pressure. Besides, with freshers entering the field every other day, actors might end up feeling insecure. But competition is a non-issue if you find acceptance among the audience.
And about beating stress...
Fan mail keeps me going. They are my best and bitter critics. I love chatting with them. Besides, I have my own unwind routine. I take off at least twice a year on a holiday. But the thing is that on the third day of my holiday itself I start getting bored (chuckles). And yes, I do enjoy my private space. In fact, nothing has changed after I became a film star. I continue to go on walks and watch films at theatres. Being a public face doesn't mean losing out on personal space. I have a group of friends, we meet up, chat, enjoy...
Private space? But wasn't it invaded a few months ago?
Yes, I know you're referring to the Internet episode. Some people can be nasty. But I don't attach much importance to such things. Life goes on as usual...
About your childhood...
My best memories are those of my childhood. I studied at Church Park. I used to hang out with a group of friends. I also travelled a lot. It was great fun. And I must tell you about my mom. She's been my biggest strength. Our comfort levels are high. I'm happy when I leave things to her to manage. Initially, there was a little apprehension in my family about my taking up films. But realising my interest, my mom said I shouldn't waver.
Being a model, have some of her film costumes shocked her?
Oh, yes. Looking back, I laugh at some of the clothes I've worn. But luckily, now I have a personal designer - Anu, who knows my tastes. She takes care to come up with aesthetic designs. But sometimes when certain roles demand garish outfits, I have to give in. And I hate loud, screaming colours. But they look good on the screen. Personally, I'm a jeans and T-shirt person. I like dressing up, not dolling up — for occasions. I don't follow any diet or work-out pattern. I'm a major foodie. When I feel I've gained some kilos, I cut down on non-veg and rice. That's it.
If not films...
I would have been a psychologist. I loved the subject in college. I wanted to specialise in criminal psychology.
On fame's downside...
Actually nothing. I told you about my fixation to become famous since childhood. I've no regrets. The industry has taught me a lot of patience. I believe in myself.
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