With a masters in biology and a Ph.D. in stem cells, this gorgeous junior scientist working at a hospital in Chennai is on a roll in Tamil cinema!
The popular actress with at least 10 Tamil movies to her credit in just two years of her acting career, Vidya Pradeep, loves both her professions equally, which is also unique when compared to other actresses who have left the studious path for a more glamorous one.
The extremely talented academician-cum-actress speaks exclusively with Bengaluru Chronicle as she marks her Sandalwood debut alongside Century Star Dr Shivarajkumar in Bangara S/o Bangarada Manushya directed by Yogi G. Raj.
She shares her love for Kannada movies, and its professionalism and she has even got a Kannada teacher in Chennai to learn Kannada to give her best to the role.
“After gradation, I started working as a junior scientist at the hospital. It is during this period that I had the opportunity to work in some advertisements. Some film directors who liked my work offered me roles, and that lead to me start my acting career as well. Insofar as my Sandalwood debut goes, Yogi Sir called me for an audition, and chose me. I had a great time working for my debut Kannada film, especially the love and professionalism I encountered during the making of the film,” says Vidya Pradeep.
While everything in Sandalwood was new to her, including the language and work culture, the humility and down-to-earth nature of Shivanna, the Century Star, made her feel totally at ease.
“I feel fortunate to have worked with such a great human being. Dr Shivarajkumar is such an inspiration with a passion for work, and his total involvement with every aspect of movie-making is admirable. He helped me learn the language and work ethic. The entire team was so warm and receptive to a newcomer in the industry. I just cannot wait to work in another Kannada film soon,” she chirps.
Though she cannot reveal much about her role in her debut Kannada movie, she says she had the best time shooting it. “Most of the film was shot in the villages near Bengaluru. Farming families would treat us like family and would invite the entire team for lunch. I loved the chicken curry and ragi mudde. I could not have asked for more. Firstly, a great team to work with and a co-star like Shivanna, I learned a lot as an actress,” shares Vidya.
She also reveals that once she started learning Kannada from a teacher in Chennai, she has managed to converse a bit, and understand most of the language. “Iga swalpa swalpa barutte. (Now, I know a little bit) I am sure after a few Kannada movies, I will speak fluently,” she smiles. The movie is also shot in some exotic locations like Italy, Switzerland, Venice and Milan, along with a great rural background in Karnataka.
“Shivarajkumar Sir, Yogi Sir, Harsha Master, Chikkanna and all my co-stars had become like family. They would pull my leg often but the level of professionalism has impressed me so much that I feel at home. I can keep talking about it for hours,” says the Tamil actress.
The actress is also busy with three other Tamil movies after completing her Kannada venture, and also has a few more offers in Kannada. Before heading back to her dual research, in acting and on her microscope lens at the lab, Vidya says that both acting and her research career are important and she manages them with utmost professionalism.
