My Soul Screams Gypsy

If there is one quality of Amala Paul’s that draws your attention, it is her courage. It is a quality that has stood her in good stead as it has helped her handle extremely difficult problems and cement her presence in an industry that is literally laced with landmines. Despite going through a turbulent 2016, in which she had to make some big decisions including the one in which her director husband Vijay and she decided to part ways, Amala has come out, looking more radiant than ever before. Today, she comes across as a confident and calm person, who is capable of handling just about anything that life can throw at her. The actress, who has never hesitated to speak her mind or make her own decisions, opens up to Manigandan KR in an exclusive interview in which she, for the very first time, elucidates her plans to turn entrepreneur. That apart, the actress also spills the beans on a number of other topics ranging from her films to her plans to going on treks, doing theatre, writing a blog, turning a singer to being a follower of Sadhguru Jaggi Vasudev. 

- Manigandan KR

You seem to be doing exceptionally well on the professional front with a number of films in your kitty. Directors and producers seem to be making a beeline to cast you in their projects. In fact, you are now playing the female lead in the sequels to two big hits, namely Susi Ganesan’s Thiruttu Payale 2 and Dhanush’s VIP 2. You also have Vetrimaran’s Vada Chennai with Dhanush, Cinderella with Vishnu and the remake of Queen in Malayalam. The list doesn’t end there; you also have another film in Malayalam and one in Kannada. Tell us more.

Well, I was in Bali for my birthday when Susi sir called me. We began chatting and then he narrated the script to me on Skype. Actually, I had to leave for another place when he had called. However, the script and the manner in which he narrated were both so engaging that I told him that he should just take his own time and continue. He narrated the script in detail and I loved it. I told him that I would meet him once I got back and then, the first day I met him was straight on the sets (laughs). So, what I look for in a film is the script and my character. The story revolves around me and is very contemporary. A lot of women will be able to relate to this story. It is a total package with all the required elements. It is a cat and mouse game between three characters played by Bobby Simha, Prasanna and I. What I loved about the subject is that there is no hero and villain in this script. It is primarily about situations and how these characters survive those situations. We have just one more schedule, which is to be shot in New Zealand

As for VIP 2, I play Dhanush’s wife as it is a proper sequel, because if you remember in VIP, towards the end, my character gets married to the hero’s character.

Tell us about working with Dhanush and Soundarya Rajinikanth.