For most of today’s movie-going generation, it was Simran and Jothika. Then, it was Trisha and Nayantara. But now? Well, not many would argue when we say that Priya Anand is indeed the flavour of the season — or rather, in Kollywood’s case — the flavour of the year, with four of her films set to release in quick succession in 2014.
It’s no secret that tinsel town was always going gaga over ‘that NRI girl from the States’, but last year’s Ethir Neechal and Vanakkam Chennai changed audience perceptions — now Priya Anand is as much a charming girl-next-door as she is the diva with an accent from abroad.
Co-stars gush over her; directors call her the life of the party; boys want to marry her; girls wish they could be like her... Priya Anand has today well and truly arrived in hot pursuit of the numero uno status in the industry. Though, she’s quick to point out that her best is yet to come, there’s no denying that 2013 was a breakthrough year — her revelatory performances garnering her roles opposite three of the hottest star kids in town: Gautham Karthik, Vikram Prabhu and Atharvaa Murali.
In a most enjoyable conversation with Priya, we talk to her about her upcoming flicks, straddling Bollywood and south Indian cinema, the equation she shares with her co-star clan, and why she’d rather let her parents do the job of finding her a perfect groom one day. Not sure if we can believe that last one.
The year that was
It really was a turning point in my career, which led to my being offered all these films. Apart from the success down south, one of my biggest challenges was my role in Fukrey. Being a non-Delhiite, pulling off that character was a huge accomplishment. In fact, now I keep getting Punjabi roles in movies because everyone thinks I am one! The Ambarsariya song also went on to be a massive hit.
Also, there was a perception that I was this NRI girl who couldn’t really adapt to south Indian characters even though I’d already played a village girl in Telugu. But that’s changing now. It’s to branch out that I signed Oru Oorla Rendu Raja, which will further exemplify that! Vimal and Soori are the rendu rajas, and I love my role of the small-town belle.
On Vai Raja Vai
I feel privileged to have been able to work with three female directors already in this short span of time — Aishwarya Dhanush completes the trio. She is someone I admire greatly and who has a very clear idea of what she wants.
The movie is a romantic thriller-comedy, revolving around gambling, and has a huge cast, including the likes of Vivek sir, Gayathri Raguram, Sathish and others. Gautham, of course, is someone I knew even before he had entered the industry — actually, his personality is very similar to mine and we are both hyper people.
There’s almost an unspoken competition on set going on regarding who is going to best the other.
On Arima Nambi
This is a full throttle action-thriller and it’s produced by one of my most favourite people ever — Thanu sir! The director Anand Shankar is also someone I rate very highly. I would even say that he’s the next Murugadoss.
Vikram (Prabhu) has the most amazing, lovely family ever. He reminds me of someone I would be friends with in college — but I’ll tell you this, everyone thinks he’s a silent, brooding chap. He is so not. In fact, he bullies me all the time and comes up with the most hilarious one-liners. I’ve also grown to be friends with his wife and sister, and his family sends me biryani every week because they know I love it. (laughs)
On Irumbu Kuthirai
I think it’s a well known fact by now that Atharvaa and the cinematographer Gopi are two of my best friends in the industry. The movie is a biking and racing drama, but only the boys got to have all the fun, while I sat pillion. (Hmpfh!).
I remember we went to Italy, and there were around 30 Ducatis on set and everyone went ‘woaaah’, but I was more concerned about who’d be riding them, with me hanging on to dear life at the back! Shooting was so much fun as Atharvaa bullies the hell out of me all the time, and I in turn, mess with his phone, send out tweets, and pull every kind of prank possible.
We had a midnight flight once, and everyone was super tired and drowsy. Naturally, the more quiet things are the more alive I become! And everyone was like, ‘how are you so hyper all the time!’ I don’t know, I guess all the small things in life make me quite happy, and I’m very simple that way.
Must Work In Hindi More
I’ve reached a point in my career, where I don’t need to promote myself all the time. Thankfully, good offers find me. English Vinglish was hugely responsible in getting people to respect me as an actor.
I get more character-based offers in Hindi, as filmmakers there take more risks. But I have been silly and unable to balance my work, which is why I had to let go of two great Bollywood projects. Language is of little concern to me, which is why I’m determined to make a bigger mark up north soon. Hindi films reach a wider, national audience and also offer more scope to perform.
I truly take a lot of pride in being pan-Indian. I don’t think of competition at all, as I don’t believe any of the other girls who entered the industry the same time as I did could have done the kind of roles I have done. We are all on our separate journeys, and I love mine.
Family and more
My parents live in the U.S. and I live in Chennai with my grandmom. You want the truth? I haven’t been home in ages, though my parents try to visit as often as possible. It is tough, but these are the sacrifices one makes.
My folks are quite non-filmy people and it is hard to get Dad to watch any of my films! But they are proud that I’ve made it here on my own without anyone’s help. It has always been cinema for me since I was a little girl. In retrospect, it was quite crazy how obsessed I was on becoming an actress as I had no Plan B. Thank God it worked out.
It’s a glam world
I’m quite choosy about the people I work with, and thereby, have never had to do anything I’m uncomfortable with. People associate glamour with skin show or skimpy clothes, but for me, it’s all about expressing that sensuality with one’s acting. The less one shows, the more sexy it is.
Chit chat:
Favourite co-star
Sridevi! I’ve always idolised her since I was a child. Among the boys? Gautham Karthik.
You want to work with
Karthik. Yes, Gautham’s dad, the Navarasa Nayagan. I think he’s the most handsome man to ever grace the screen. I think everyone who knows about my crush on him is embarrassed. (giggles)
Friends in the industry
Atharvaa, Vishakha and Nandita who I became friends with during Ethir Neechal.
Perfect holiday spot
Any place that is quiet, with no traffic. Kerala. When I go abroad, it’s all about shopping, of course.
Ideal date night
A very low-key affair, could be just watching a movie together. I hate public spaces.
Hobbies
Well, like every good little south Indian girl, I too learnt to sing, but I don’t sing anymore. I’m a huge movie buff and love going to the cinemas. When my shoot was cancelled during Pongal, I was super excited that I could watch all the new releases.
Boyfriend one day, some day
I’ll tell you why I’m single — all my friends are people I’ve known since I was a kid. I don’t party or socialise much. And most of my co-stars are married. Maybe I’ll just let my parents do all the research and find me someone. They already think I’m too much of a loser to land a guy on my own.
CREDITS?
Photography: G. Venket Ram
Styling and Wardrobe: Shilpa Vummiti, (shilpavummiti.com)
