'My debut in Kannada films was well received'

Kerala actress Bhamaa is three films old in Kannada films and she seems to be growing stronger with each project. After winning hearts with her role in Modalasala, she hopes to strike gold again in Shyloo, a remake of the highly successful Tamil film Mynaa.

The actress, who is in Bengaluru shooting for the film, shares her Shyloo experience with Shruti Indira Lakshminarayana.

Shyloo is a remake of the Tamil film Mynaa. Have you watched the original?

I have seen Mynaa, and I think Amala, the heroine, has done a brilliant job. She also happens to be a good friend and I have told her that I am playing her role in the Kannada remake. I am now working at making my character as real as possible.

I play a village girl who is ready to make any kind of sacrifice for her love. She is a dreamer. A happy family is all that she wants.

How is Ganesh as a co-star?

I consider myself very lucky to have got an opportunity to work with him. He is a simple person and an amazing actor. I have heard a lot about his Mungaru Male and also now that I am here, I hope to catch up on some of his films.

S Narayan, the director, is also a big name in the Kannada industry. What did you learn working with him?

When I go onto the sets of this film, I feel like I am going to school with my family! We work, eat and have fun together. This team makes me feel at home. There is so much to learn from Narayan and I hope to get many more opportunities to work with him.

You were the second choice for the role. Did you think twice before accepting the film?

I was never the second choice. When this project was being planned, Narayan sir had approached me for this role. Unfortunately, at that time I was working with Joshi sir in a Malayalam film and I found it very difficult to adjust the dates. I had given bulk dates to him. He is one of the most revered directors and I did not want to miss a chance to work with him. The fact that I had to let go of Shyloo at that point pained me. But, thankfully, producer Manju spoke to Joshi sir and had the dates issue resolved. And here I am today.

Tell us about the songs.

Jazzi Gift, also from Kerala, has composed the music. The songs are melodious and are beautifully shot. Shyloo's songs find a place among my favourites.

You have done two other Kannada films. How are you coping with the language?

I have acted in Modalasala and a Dinesh Babu film opposite Tarun. I'm developing a liking for Kannada and I hope to get a hang of the language soon.

Are you happy with the response to Modalasala?

I am glad that my debut in Kannada was well received. I must thank Kannada actress Vinaya Prakash who recommended me to the makers of Modalasala. We had done a Malayalam film together three years ago. Impressed with my acting, she suggested my name to director Purushotham and producer Malli who then came to Cochin to narrate the story to me. 

Deepa, the character I played in Modalasala, remains close to my heart. In fact, I have become like her in some ways. The character I play in Shyloo is also having the same effect on me, I notice.

How was Yash, your hero in Modalasala, to work with?

Yash is a good friend now. When Modalasala was being shot, most of the people on the sets spoke Kannada and I was clueless about what was going on. Yash came to my rescue by teaching me the basics in Kannada. He is a very talented actor too. I really liked working with him.

How did you get into films?

Malayalam's legendary director, the late Lohithadas was the one who gave me a break. He cast me in Nivedyam after seeing me host a television programme. Projects with talented directors and actors, and big production houses followed. I dedicate my success to my guru Lohithadas, and God.

How different is the Malayalam industry from the Kannada industry?

There is not much difference, except that most Malayalam films give equal importance to heroines. But I have nothing to complain about as the Kannada films I have done have also showcased my talent well. The Kannada industry is like my second home.

What are your future projects?

I am now doing films in all the South Indian languages. In Malayalam, I have Joshi sir's Sevens. My Tamil film Sevarkkodi is due for release. I have signed another Malayalam movie and discussions pertaining to two Kannada projects are on. I am looking forward to roles like the one in Shyloo that will bring out the actor in me.