Interview Actor - Sameera Reddy HindiSong.com

HindiSong.com Sameera Reddy

Movie interview: Sameera Reddy

“I’m not here just to churn out films like in a factory”

Her debut film ‘Maine dil tujhko diya’ came and went without saying much and Sameera Reddy was back where she started. Except that film buffs noticed that though the film was a launch vehicle for Sohail Khan the new girl looked very comfortable singing and dancing and doing the usual stuff that our heroines are supposed to do. Today her stoic refusal to chase roles has paid off and she’s part of an enviable film being made by Ram Gopal Varma.

So where has Sameera been since ‘Maine dil tujhko diya’?

The film released last October and after that I’ve signed a film with Ram Gopal Varma called’Darna mana hai’. We’ve noticed that audiences’ tastes are really changing and they are rejecting the usual fare, I felt I should not sign on anything. Darna mana hai is going to be something different and something to look forward to.

What kind of role do you have in this film?

Ram Gopal varma has his own style of films, which is unique to him. My role in the film is also unique. The character is a cool fearless kind of collegian. How she handles her life’s events forms the crux of the story.

Who is directing?

Prabal Raman, Ram Gopal Varma’s assistant is directing though it is done under Ramuji’s eye. And he [Ramuji] is personally doing my songs.

Who else is in the cast?

[Laughs] I cant reveal that yet because there are a number of short roles, guest appearances by several people, but there is Vivek Oberoi, Nana Patekar, Shilpa Shetty among others!! It’s going to be quite a fascinating film it’s unlike the sweet roles heroines usually portray. For me it’s completely different from Maine dil tujhko diya-it’s more like me as I am.

How did you react when Ram Gopal signed you on?

Actually we met. A friend had recommended me to him but he hadn’t seen my earlier film. We spoke for some two hours. It was fantastic. Within that time he had decided to cast me. He was so clear he had everything charted out-how he’d shoot the songs etc. He made me feel so comfortable. It is something special to work with a director as instinctive as he is. He brings out qualities in me that I did not know existed. I’m very happy.

How does this role allow you to move ahead?

In my first film I played a very docile girl in this I’m a strong character. She’s independent, strong, she stands out, is able to take her own decisions. She stands alone. I could relate a lot more to this character. Though I must admit relating is not too important. I should be able to do a role I can’t relate to even! Sameera Reddy the person and the actress are two very different people.

Did you get a bound script?

Yes I did and that was a pleasure. But I think a lot of filmmakers are giving you scripts now. Most people I am meeting are. Now I find everyone is keeping film scripts ready. So there is no wastage of time and money. I think our generation is having a better time than the earlier ones.

Who is doing the music?

Salim Suleiman- he’s also doing the music for Bhoot-It’s the kind of music, which the new age is going to like. It’s a new age feel-and the songs are not thrown in just for the heck of it.

What is Sameera up to now?

After ‘Maine dil tujhko diya’ I took a month off to concentrate completely on my kathak, which I had not beenm giving attention. I did a forty-day kathak ritual-fasted and danced. I needed my space. Now I’m meeting people, I’ve met good directors and things are moving. I’ve seen the latest films that have come and you can see that audiences are not going to be fooled any longer-you have to give them something worthwhile. Someone asked me why wasn’t I just taking up normal films to at least be in the running but I want to do films I’m convinced about-they will make a mark and audiences will notice me through them. I’m not here just to churn out films like in a factory.