'I am inclined towards offbeat films'

Regina Cassandra made an impressive debut with Siva Manasulo Sruthi (SMS). She went on to do Routine Love Story (RLS), Ra Ra Krishnayya, Kotha Janta and Power.

Regina’s new Telugu film titled Pilla Nuvvu Leni Jeevitham, co-starring Sai Dharam Tej (nephew of megastar Chiranjeevi who is making his debut), is releasing this Friday, November 14.

In this conversation, Regina talks about the film, working with Sai Dharam Tej and senior actor Jagapathi Babu.

How did you sign Pilla Nuvvu Leni Jeevitam?

After Routine Love Story released, Pilla Nuvvu Leni Jeevitam was my first offer from Geetha Arts (production house of Allu Aravind).

That was before Kotha Janta released. They asked if I would be interested.

I spoke to Bunny Vas (one of the producers), flew down and did a photo shoot with Tej Sai Dharam. It was a smooth process.

What made you actually sign the film?

Both SMS (Siva Manasulu Sruthi) and RLS (Routine Love Story) were non-commercial films, rather, not the typical Telugu films.

I was happy that people were willing to experiment with me.

I am inclined towards offbeat films. I feel it’s about testing your abilities – doing stuff I need effort to do.

This was a perfect opportunity. It was a really good and prestigious banner.

Is the film an out-and-out entertainer?

Yes, it is. It has a nice screenplay and good dialogues. One will see me in a different avatar.

Is it a love story?

Yes. It’s about how this boy falls in love with this girl called Sri (played by Regina). She is a serious girl who has faced a lot in life and life has taught her lessons. She is herself.

She tells the boy not to interfere in her life and doesn’t encourage him. What happens after that forms the film.

How different is this love story from the numerous love stories one sees on screen?

Every love story is about boy meeting girl and has the same action, comedy, dance etc – a little bit of everything. It is the packaging that is different in every film.

Do you relate to the character you play?

I am not like that. I am not serious. I am way more happy-go-lucky. My character is blunt towards the hero. I will think twice before doing so.

Is it a substantial role?

Whatever the hero does is around this girl. The merry-go- round is because of her.

Jagapathi Babu is said to have an important role in this film. What was it like acting with him?

I do have scenes with him. He stepped into the role after Srihari’s garu’s death.

Jagapathi Babu is a veteran actor; one has heard so many people say so many things about him. 

The first scene I had to do with him was an emotional one where I had to hold him and shake him.

Normally I don’t talk much to people on the sets. We had not met before. As I was also shooting for Kotha Janta, I had just two hours to get into the costume and do the scene.

I told Jagapathi Babu garu, ‘Sir, I have to hold your collar.’

He looked at my fingers and asked, ‘Are you an artist or musician as you have long fingers?’

I said I draw occasionally. Then we did the scene in one or two takes. It was really nice.

Subsequently I did Ra Ra Krishnayya also with him. He would send food that came from his house to me and others.

I once made him a salad on the sets. Later I baked a cake and took it to the sets.

Jagapathi Babu garu is relaxed and chilled out. It’s a nice experience if the seniors are welcoming. It was a nice atmosphere on the sets.

You are acting opposite Sai Dharam Tej, the nephew of Chiranjeevi. What was that like?

He comes with the baggage of a mega family and has to keep up to that as there are expectations.

He is hard-working. There were days when I would be tired after the shoot and didn’t want to go to the gym but Tej would be all ready to go.

His first film had not been released yet. He is very humble and grounded.

Where is this film shot?

It is shot in and around Hyderabad.

What do you think of the director Ravikumar Chowdary who has done three films before?

He gave me freedom as an actor. He would take the suggestions I gave.

I am still new. I have done only six films and to give me that kind of freedom meant a lot. It felt good.