My being here is God’s gift, and not just because of my talent, beauty or hard work,” says Samantha Ruth Prabhu who has four big movies in Tamil and Telugu, including 24 with Suriya and Brahmotsavam with Mahesh Babu hitting the marquee on consecutive Fridays, beginning this week. In an exclusive, she talks about her mother being her inspiration, co-stars, the immense success for her role in Theri, and her marriage plans!
24 was intimidating:
It is an intense and soulful movie. Vikram Kumar sir told me the storyline when I did Manam. The amount of work that needed to go into the film was massive — CG, VFX, art, production. It is surprising that the film was completed in record time! In the flick, my romantic portions are for comic relief!
On teaming up with Suriya for the second time after Anjaan:
I would say that 24 is Suriya sir’s showreel — he portrays three different characters. In the morning he would do youthful, sweet romantic scenes with me — and after the lunch break, he would come back as a villain and enact that effortlessly!
Sam’s a gym bunny!
(Laughs) I vent my anger in the gym, and it calms me down. For the last four to five months, I have been shooting non-stop. Working out gives me the confidence as well. I wanted to prove that even as a girl, I am strong and can pull off intense fitness levels.
Being a hit machine:
Numerouno? I don’t care and don’t believe in number games. I just want my films to work. The hit or flop verdict really affects me. I seriously analyse what went wrong if a film turns out to be a dud!
Remaking the Kannada flick u turn:
I’m not producing it! I liked the heroine’s role, so talks are on to remake it in Tamil and Telugu with the same director. I may play the protagonist.
Maturing in her career:
A lot of new girls are arriving every day — let them do the glamour roles! I am done with ultra glam outfits and five song routines — hereafter I want to do meatier roles, now that I’ve acted with all the biggies. I am a fan of Vijay, Suriya, Jr NTR and Pawan Kalyan. Here’s the plan: I want to keep doing good films, get married in two years, and settle down in life.
Working in Theri:
I had a lot of scope to prove my acting skills. After a long time, a movie moved me to tears. Atlee offered me both roles, and I chose the one I wanted. Vijay sir was also gracious and allowed me to essay the heroic act during the death scene in Theri. I really respect him — no other hero would have let the heroine take prominence in such an important scene.
More competition in Tamil or Telugu?
I think most of the heroines are acting in both languages. In Tamil, Nayanthara does strong roles. I am more particular about scripts. Like the one I am playing in Vada Chennai by Vetri Maaran — a de-glam slum girl. It is also physically challenging. I want to do things now that I will be remembered by.
Inspiration for the Pratyusha Foundation
My mother! Our family had little money but my mother was always giving and kind.
Not extending her cause to Chennai:
I am trying now. We need the support of the hospitals. But honestly, Tamil Nadu Hospitals are not as great as Andhra Hospitals. We’re doing a fundraiser soon, and we need the ATGS to avail tax exemption. Until then, we won’t get much donations.
Being a star today:
Nothing has changed! I have become stronger and have more money (smiles). I live in Hyderabad mostly; otherwise my home in the city is the best whenever I’m here!
