After a lacklustre outing with Simbu in AAA, actress Shriya Saran is all set to return to K-town with the much-anticipated thriller Naragasooran, which releases on September 13. DC catches up with her for a quick chat about the film, her passions, and Rajinikanth, among other things.
A thought-provoking thriller
Shriya believes Naragasooran to be one of the most important films of her career. Talking about the project, she says, “It’s a character-driven film that has many layers to it. Though I can’t reveal too much about the story or my role in it, I can tell you that it’s an intriguing film that will make you think.”
The film has been directed by Karthik Naren, and the actress says she thoroughly enjoyed working with him. “When Karthik approached me, he said that he was looking for a fresh pair with Arvind Swami. We had a marathon narration session, and I loved the script. We discussed it for about six months before I came on board,” she says, adding, “The best part was that he would explain a scene to me and then let me perform it without any interference.”
Calling her co-star, Arvind Swami, a “chilled out person”, Shriya says, “He has done movies that are inspirational. He is easy to communicate with and a great co-star. He’s also a hard worker and has a lot of knowledge about cinema.”
Dance — a passion
Ask Shriya about her dream role, and she says, “I enjoy every role that I do. But I would love to do a dance-based film. It can even be the biopic of a great Indian classical dancer. I want to push boundaries.”
Going on to talk about her love for dance, she says, “For me, dancing is a real form of mediation. It gives me immense happiness and helps me stay fit. Being a fitness freak, if I don’t have time for a workout, I just dance.”
Yet another major passion of hers is travel. “Travelling to unexplored destinations and meeting different kinds of people is another important agenda in my life. No amount of money and time spent travelling is wasted. I am passionate about something that is sure to bring you bliss,” she says.
Not surprisingly, Chennai is one of her favourite places to visit. “I love dosa and sambar - those are my favourite foods. I don’t usually shop much, but whenever I come here, I buy a lot of Kancheevaram silk sarees. I am very fond of them and I have seen them being made by hand, by the weaver,” she says.
The Rajini connection
Shriya shared screen space with superstar Rajinikanth in the blockbuster hit Sivaji. Talking about her experience working with him, she says, “I am proud to have worked with a man who is humility personified. Despite his stature, he remains down to earth. From spot boys to light men to producers — he treats everyone with respect. And he commands respect.”
“I met him at the right stage of my life, when I was very young. That way I was able to learn a lot from him. I have never met another person like him,” she adds.
Ask her if she has any inclination towards politics, and she’s quick to respond - “Oh no! I am not cut out for politics. I don’t think it’s in me.”
