'I play a Bharatanatyam dancer in Daruvu'

The going has been good for Taapsee Pannu. The actress has had five film releases in Telugu since she made her debut in 2010, two in Tamil and one in Malayalam.

She is acting in two more Telugu films (Shadow, Gundello Godaari) besides Daruvu (directed by Siva) which is slated for release on May 25.

In this interview, she gives us an exclusive glimpse of her role in Daruvu, working with Ravi Teja and Brahmanandam, and being in the industry.

Was it because of Ravi Teja's presence that you signed Daruvu?

Not really. It was more because of the comedy genre. I would be working with people like Brahmanandam and Ravi Teja who are masters in this genre.

Director Siva has seen a success with his films. I was relying on the genre's success. Ninety per cent of the time, comedy works.

This is your second film with Ravi Teja after Veera. How was it working with him?

He's highly energetic on and off the sets. He's not hot headed but cool and peppy. Ravi Teja off screen is just the way he is on screen. He's always friendly.

There was not much difference between the first film and this one. It was all cool. He understands my Hindi and he speaks the language too. Any Hindi-speaking heroine can get along with him.

What's your role in the film?

I play a Bharata Natyam dancer who is very docile, quiet and scared of the things around her.

It's very different from what I am like in real life!

Did you find it difficult to do the part?

What's the fun of doing the same thing over and over again? The director gave a basic line and you just leave it to the director to tell you and you go ahead.

How was the experience of working with Brahmanandam?

He plays the dance master and is there in most of the film.

This is my sixth film with him. He looks cute in the dance costume and accessories.

When he and Ravi Teja are around, it is difficult to control the laughter. It was so much fun working with them.

What's your opinion of Siva as a director?

Siva is a good commercial director.

I'm one person who digs the script, asks a lot of questions. It's difficult to accept a commercial script without in-depth logic.

Siva would rely on the fun aspect and avoid logical questions and I realised how smart he is in knowing the audience's pulse rather than the logic.

He is one of the most energetic directors I have worked with. He's quick and swift and clear about what he wants.

Have you dubbed the dialogues for this film?

I have not done it for this film.

Are you through with the shoot of Gundello Godaari? What about Shadow?

I've finished my portion of Gundello Godaari. I'm also shooting for Shadow.

Have you taken up any other Telugu projects?

I will be doing a film with Gopichand to be directed by Chandrasekhar Yeleti. I don't know how to define it. It's an 'action adventure thriller.'

Yeleti comes out with different characters. The way I talk in the film is also different. I signed the film for Yeleti, and for the script and the character.

You've had more than half-a-dozen releases in the last two years. Life must be hectic for you...

Last two years went like a wink. I can't believe I have done so much work. I am more than happy.

I have been lucky and I'm trying hard to sustain it with hard work.