With an extra ‘r’ to her name, she has been on a dream run ever since Ugramm. From nearly risking her life swimming for hours in a scene for Ranatantra, later the pretty Hari Prriya played both a Naxalite and an innocent girl in Ricky.
Now, in one of her boldest avatar’s ever, she plays a call girl and a bar dancer in Vijaya Prasad’s ambitious project Neer Dose. Hari Prriya speaks exclusively with Bengaluru Chronicle sharing her experience of Neer Dose, for which she had to gain weight, learn to puff like a professional smoker, and even learn the basics of belly dancing.
“I have always aspired to become an actor and Neer Dose was a definitely a unique experience for me, yet one, I do not wish to go through again! Puzzled? It was mentally stressful portraying a call girl and a bar dancer. I had always been a method actor, and behaved naturally in the diverse roles I have played. However, Neer Dose was a greater challenge. I have never met a call girl. All I did to get into character was watch lots of films about the profession, with a bit of research on behavioural aspects. That was also why I had to look healthy, for which I also gained weight,” says Hari Prriya.
She adds, that more than the physical make-over, it was the mental stress that was a bigger challenge. “We decided on a total make-over. I will be seen in a whole new avatar wearing bold attire that suits the character. Even in Ricky, I was seen in two different shades — Sita — a good looking innocent girl, and Radha — a lean and thin girl who is a Naxalite. In Bullet Basya, I was again seen in a chubby role. Bringing the Neer Dose character on screen, I had to mentally understand it, and needed to focus entirely on the role. I started spending a lot of time on the sets, interacting with everyone while I was still in character and attire, which also boosted my confidence. I would have dreams about the role too,” she says.
Shivanna who watched the theatrical teaser, and the making video, was surprised with her performance, and openly admired the work she had done, including her boldness at accepting such a role.
“Nowhere, can one see vulgarity — Hari Prriya has carried out the role with brilliance,” Shivanna is reported to have said. The actress feels very honoured at such a big star appreciating her work. Her co-star Jaggesh, also agrees, and even thinks that Hari Prriya may bag an award for her portrayal.
Ever since the film Neer Dose was launched, it has faced several controversies, and later the change in the lead actress made it almost impossible for the completion of the film. “I was very curious about the role when the film was initially launched with another actress. Now, I am back in shape, and looking forward to it release.”
Travelling has been always a favourite hobby for the Kannadiga. “Apart from travelling during film shootings, I still find some time to travel, exploring new places with my loved ones. These days, I am in love with cycling. Mysuru is one of my favourite places. I frequently visit my friends in Mysuru, where we get together for an early morning cycling ride, which also keeps me in shape,” she adds.
After Neer Dose, she will be seen in Bharajari directed by Chetan where she will be playing a girl from North Karnataka. Before signing off, the actress says that she does not believe in “size zero” figures but as an actor, one should be flexible and mould themselves to different characters. She stresses on this in all her films to increase her scope to learn.
