‘It’s not what you say, but how you say it’ goes the popular adage. And it seems Tollywood stars are increasingly becoming diplomatic about the way they speak, especially when it comes to saying no to a script. Recently, buzz was that Prabhas turned down a Bollywood project from Karan Johar. Turns out the Baahubali star quoted an exorbitant remuneration since he wasn’t too keen to come on board.
For someone like Tamannaah, saying no to a script is an art. “I can see the conviction with which the filmmakers narrate a story. I respect their effort and can’t turn down the offer upfront. I might push back a second sitting of narration, but I’m still learning to say no,” she admits.
Tamannaah “Postpone the second sitting of narration” or “Can’t do the film at that point of time”
Interestingly, Rakul Preet Singh deals with the subject in a different way. “I don’t say ‘no dates’ because if I commit to another film, it spoils my relationship with filmmakers who I said no to. I’m someone who values relationships, which are vital in the industry.”
Rakul: “Don’t have the heart to do the film right now” or “Not engrossed with the story”
Apparently, Kajal and Lavanya Tripathi follow the same modus operandi. “I’ll try to own the script as much as possible, but if it isn’t working out, I back out citing date issues,” says Kajal. Lavanya adds, “I try hard to see if I can connect to the script, else, I’ll bring in date issues.”
Kajal: “Can’t allot dates” or “No intention of doing the film”
Rashmi Gautam on the other hand, doesn’t mince words when it comes to saying no to a project. “I say no upfront because it is very important for me to be part of a film that excites me, otherwise I can’t give my 100 per cent. I am more concerned about my poster value and the visibility. Even if the filmmakers take offence, it’s ok, I can’t help it,” she explains.
Lavanya Tripathi : “No bulk dates” or “Want to back off from the project”
Poorna has an interesting way to deal with the matter. “Initially, I did not know how to say no to a film, so I used to honestly tell the filmmakers that I didn’t like the script. But my manager advised me not to say so because filmmakers might take offence. Since then, I tell them that I can’t do justice to the role,” she shares.
If Ravi Teja and Ram can’t commit for a film, they put things differently. “I patiently listen to the script, and sometimes mid-way I know that the script doesn’t suit me, but I don’t want to hurt the filmmaker. So I eventually say that the script doesn’t suit me,” says Ram.
