She was 14 when she did her first modelling assignment. But while pursuing her studies in engineering, Prajju Poovaiah started getting movie offers from Telugu and Tamil films.
The actress who has bagged Yeradu Kanasu alongside the talented Vijay Raghavendra is presently shooting for Galli Bakery while she awaits the release of Adarsha. Born in Coorg and brought up in Mangaluru, the actress even featured in the recent Tulu hit movie Oriyen Tunda Oriyeg Aapujji which ran for 108 days. Prajju speaks to Bengaluru Chronicle about her journey from engineering to acting and much more.
“Though I was born in Coorg, I was brought up in Mangaluru as my father was in the Indian Army and served in the Mangaluru region for over 19 years. I did my first modelling assignment when I was in my ninth class. Initially, it was just a hobby and then it soon became my passion. During the six months gap after my PU exam before joining engineering, I went to Mumbai and joined acting classes at the Subhash Ghai Institute where I learnt the basics of acting. Thereafter, I finished my studies as I come from a highly educated family and all my cousins are either doctors or engineers,” says Prajju who actually cut short her real name from Prajwal Poovaiah to Prajju Poovaiah to avoid confusion with Dynamic Prince Prajwal Devaraj in Sandalwood.
In Yeradu Kanasu, she will be seen as a TV journalist in a modern day girl avatar. She reveals that she is excited about playing the role of a journalist which has a suspense element. “Yes, the film revolves around a triangular love story, but I cannot reveal more,” she smiles. To jog your memory, around 41 years ago, a classic film titled Yeradu Kanasu based on a novel starring thespian late Dr Rajkumar, Minugu Tare Kalpana and Manjula was an instant hit.
“If not for my dad, I would have discontinued studies and pursued modelling. My dad insisted that I finish engineering. I was never so serious about acting. Dancing was my passion and modelling was my first choice. However, I opted for Tamil films soon after I did my acting course. Initially, I was not so serious and failed to choose the right kind of films. Now, I am serious and have the experience to select the best,” Prajju says adding that she had high hopes from her previous release Pataragitti which unfortunately did not fare well at the box office. “My character was really good. However, after editing and post production, a lot of things change. I do not regret it as it was a learning experience.”
While Prajju has presently signed the Telugu movie Garuda, she may sign two more Telugu movies. She is currently looking forward to the shooting of Yeradu Kanasu. Apart from watching movies, she enjoys spending time with her family and close friends and likes to destress with yoga.
