In the wake of the World Telugu conference or Telugu Maha Sabhalu, whose aim is to foster the Telugu language, here we turn the spotlight on the efforts of a slew of non-native Telugu speaking actors. How did they pick up Telugu, a language they were once unfamiliar with? Here’s what some of them had to say...
Tamannaah
Over time, Tamannaah has become fluent in Telugu. Be it a chat show, press conference, interview or a filmi event, today the actor speaks the language fluently. In fact, she even went on to dub for herself in Oopiri.
“I played a college student in Happy Days, and the film’s director, Sekhar Kammula, wanted me to be natural. It was then that I realised how significant language is. I started learning on the job and asked my personal staff to speak to me only in Telugu,” shares Tamannaah.
How difficult was it to hone the new language skill? “I have learnt the language purely out of my passion for it, and that’s been my motivating force. It has made me understand and mouth lengthy dialogues easily,” Tamannaah adds.
Quick facts
Reason to learn Telugu — To be portrayed naturally
When? Since Happy Days
How? With help from personal staff
How has it helped? — Understanding and speaking her parts easily
Rakul Preet Singh
Rakul Preet Singh
Joining the list of non-Telugu speaking actresses who made rapid strides in terms of speaking Telugu is Rakul Preet Singh. She says she always had the inclination to pick up new skills.
“I always wanted to learn Telugu because I used to be like a question bank (laughs) asking the meaning of the words in the dialogues. I wanted to be aware of what I am saying. I started talking in Telugu to my staff and on sets too,” she explains, adding, “Even when I went out with friends, I conversed in Telugu. It helped me express myself better. After all, the industry is giving me so much respect, the least I could do is to learn the language.”
Reason to learn Telugu: Sheer passion
When? Since Venkatadri Express
How? Conversing with filmmakers, friends and staff
How has it helped? To express herself better
Samantha
Samantha
For Samantha, learning the language gives an extra dimension to her repertoire. “When you know the language, filmmakers approach you for challenging and intense roles too. I realised this after a few years into acting and it sort of pushed me. Conversing in Telugu with friends, co-stars and filmmakers helped a lot. Also, speaking in Telugu during film promotions helps get closer to the audience.”
Reason to learn Telugu: To prepare for challenging roles
When? Since Yeto Vellipoyindhi Manasu
How? Talking in Telugu with co-stars and also during promotions
How Has it helped? Achieving a close connection with her audience
Anushka Shetty
Anushka Shetty
Cut to Anushka Shetty, and she never gives you an impression that’s she’s a Kannadiga. During her 12-year stint, whenever there’s an opportunity to speak in Telugu, the Tulu-born actress would embrace it.
She reveals, “When I came to the industry, I was a novice in all aspects and had no understanding about language. But I have understood that I need to master the language for longevity and development of my career. I started watching Telugu TV and programs extensively. Since Kannada is a bit close to Telugu, I was able to pick up quickly.”
Reason to learn Telugu: To enact roles better
When? Since Okka Magadu
How? By watching a lot of Telugu TV programmes
How did it help her? Her audience has owned her
