It was Ethir Neechal that got Suza Kumar noticed, while Veeram pushed the bar a little higher. The radar is getting wider with a lead role in the upcoming Kollywood horror-comedy film, Friday The 13th. About the shift to being a leading lady, Suza pouts, “I don’t understand why people call cameos as supporting roles. Being paired opposite a rising star like Sivakarthikeyan in your debut with the song Nijemmellam Maranthu Pochu topping the charts is no mean feat. Of course, a lot of credit goes to Anirudh’s magical score. A big role or a blink-and-miss appearance doesn’t matter as long as you’re noticed.”
Born and brought up in Chennai, acting was never really a career choice for this self-confessed introvert. “Choosing to do a diploma in cinematography in the US worked wonders for me to come out of my shell and eventually made me fall in love with acting and movies,” says the 22-year-old, who credits her family for the small and sure steps she is taking in the industry and is absolutely spiffed with the boldness of her pilot sister.
Horror films seem to be the flavour of the season (think Kanchana and Maya) and looks like Suza has picked a winner for her full-fledged debut in Friday The 13th. “I only had one query to the makers — Am I a ghost?” she laughs. Prodded on, she adds, “Horror movies can afford the luxury of glamour. But it is not the case with Friday… Playing a village belle, I will be seen in a de-glam avatar. I took this as a challenge to come out of my comfort zone and try something new.” She is also determined to not get stereotyped.
Calling herself a home bird, she likes to pamper her pet dog Vicky and catches up with tinsel town gossip in her free time. Another horror film Kaneer Anjalai opposite actor Karunakaran, is also on the cards, but details of it are for another day, she promises. With first look posters of the film having created enough buzz, Suza says all’s well for now.
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