A Star Among The Stars

ANJALI ON HER EXPERIENCES IN THE INDUSTRY, RELATIONSHIP RUMOURS AND HER FUTURE

She made humble beginnings sans any luxurious landscapes or glamourous gowns. She’s bold! She’s fun! She’s smart in an uncanny way and she can be shrewd when she wants to be, yet she keeps it simple and gives her best in everything that she does. RITZ Magazine speaks to the cover girl Anjali, who made her debut in Tamil cinema as the simple smalltown girl Anandhi and soon made everyone sit up and take notice of her acting talent. The actor wants to be remembered for her roles and wants to be part of some of the most memorable movies ever made.

- Kaanchan Prashanth

You had no formal training in acting when you made a debut in Kattradhu Tamil. Yet you did not flounder...  When I worked in Kattradhu Tamil, it was the first time I was facing the camera. I did not know much about the process. But fortunately for me director Ram was there to tell me what to do. He would show me exactly what was required and how to go about it. I just followed everything he said. People who watched the movie said that I had given a very mature performance, which made me feel good. I learnt everything on the set, on the job. Then my next movie was Angadi Theru. The role was so much more serious than before and hence I really had to put in more effort. And just like that from one movie to the next, from one role to the next I figured my way out.

In most of the movies you have done, you have co-stars who are well-known actors. How do you hold your ground in spite of that?

When I listen to a story, I try to understand my role. I need to feel a spark and make a connection with the character. I accept to do the part only if I am confident that I can do justice to the role. And then when it comes to the time of shooting, I should be able to become that character, only then will it stand out. When you’re in front of the camera you have to focus on the character completely. You have to put 100% effort into making the character as believable as possible. At the end of the day, what counts is how well you have performed, that’s the only way to hold your ground.

When you are a part of multi-starrers that are attached with bigger stars, do you feel intimidated?