Simplicity is what has been her forte. This theatre and television star that entered Sandalwood some time ago but kept to herself, is back in a new avatar — essaying the role of a heroine from the late 90s in her next venture that was launched on her birthday on Sunday.
Shwetha Srivatsav who rose to stardom with Simple Aag Ondh Love Story (SOLS) confirmed her versatility, with her previous release Kiragoorina Gayyaligalu where she played the decisive role of ‘Danamma’ which earned her great recognition.
Shwetha Srivatsav
The Fair and Lovely star speaks to Bengaluru Chronicle about her choice of work, and opens up about an industry dominated by male stars
“After Kiragoorina Gayyaligalu, the irony is that people from the industry approached me for similar roles. I was disappointed that they had failed to recognise me as an artiste, and were unable to imagine me beyond certain roles. Since Cyber Yugadol... I have tried hard not to get typecast. Even though the film did not succeed, it was a purposeful role,” says Shwetha Srivatsav.
However, the actress says that despite choosing unique roles, one thing has more or less remained the same.
“Dialogues from my successful films have become a regular feature in new films. They are added just for the sake of it, whether I am portraying a prostitute or a slum dweller! I kept getting similar roles packed with my dialogues. That was when I decided to be patient and took some time before signing another project,” explains the actress.
She reveals that after SOLS, she was offered numerous projects but after she did Kiragoorina Gayyaligalu, the offers almost doubled to at least one a day.
“Apart from two offers from big production houses, offers are pouring in. I have decided to do a film directed by Samuel Tony, produced by Rajendra under the U one Raj Motion Productions. Still untitled, I play the role of a heroine from the late 90s. It is not inspired by any actress and it totally fictitious and 100 per cent original. Moreover, my ‘bold’ dialogues are thankfully missing as this role is more philosophical with emotional context,” explains Shwetha.
The crew also matters to her. “The team I work with has to be nice, and should respect time and talent. This time, I am being paid well, which was completely missing earlier. I do expect proper remuneration though I realise one cannot expect huge sums like Bollywood or Sandalwood top stars. In my earlier ventures, I was promised a sum but did not get a penny. I was very disappointed,” recalls the actress.
On female-oriented roles, she feels that despite giving two super hit movies, producers still feel reluctant to approach such films.
“In Bollywood, once a producer feels confident that a heroine can shoulder a female lead, he goes all out, like Vidya Balan, Kangana and Alia Bhat. But Kannada films are 99 percent hero-centric,” she adds. Overwhelmed by fans from across the state who came to celebrate her birthday, she chimes, “People came from as far as Bijapur to meet me, and I was happy that my fans recognise me from my limited work. It inspires me to create a brand for myself. My dream to direct is slowly awakening as I am learning technical aspects and I hope to direct my debut film in two to three years.”
