Shreya Dhanwanthary Exclusive Interview For Maastars

There’s something about…

ShreyaDhanwanthary

There’s nothing sexier than a beautiful lady with the smarts. Here’s a perfect example of the adage. Talking about the clichéd beauty meets brains, she could be a cheerleader at the IPL or she could be a scientist working in a secret lab. She could be whoever she wanted to. But ShreyaDhanwanthary chose to get into tinsel town. And boy, aren’t we glad she did! This NIT Warangal girl is a Femina Miss India finalist. Who would have thought those two nouns could be used in the same sentence together? Destiny’s Child “Independent Woman”– she’s the song, but not the band! That’s what she is. Talk to her and you can’t help wonder, and it strikes you slowly, that she reminds you of Cindy Crawford. So here’s the spotlight on this beautiful Telugu lass who is gracing the silver screen & stealing hearts with her youthful exuberant roles. AnandRayapudi talks to ShreyaDhanwanthary in a freewheeling interview of awesomeness.

There’s something about Shreya. And I just can’t seem to pinpoint it. What do you think it is? Maybe it’s the eyes…

[laughs] Is it?Well I think there’s more to me than justeyes. It’s not just one trait. I mean, I don’t want to sound arrogant about myself but there are a lot of other things about me that I think are worth talking about [winks].

Just one or two movies old & you already look like you’re oozing confidence. What do you say to yourself at the start of each morning?

It’s very simple for me to break it down. To succeed, you need confidence. And I am a very confident individual. So much so that people think it is borderline arrogance. But it’s not! You must have the courage of conviction to believe that you can do it. It isthe way I’ve been brought up. And I love being in the movie industry. I can’t wait to lap all that comes my way.

What’s fame like? How has it changed you?

Has it? I really don’t want to claim fame.I think fame’s often over-rated and quickly transforms into infamy. I want my work to speak for me. Look at Scorsese, Mani Ratnam,AamirKhan,it’s their work that gets talked about.I really feel Fame is one of the cons of the industry. Because everybody’s talking about you, and not necessarily in a good way most of the times… it can get on your nerves.

But there’s a certain calmness & composure in your face. Did you discover Nirvana already?

[Breaks into laughter] Seriously, you think so? Then you figure it out yourself. I don’t think I am calm or anywhere close to it. But jokes apart, thanks for saying that! I guess I am grounded in a way that makes me confident wherever I am. Knowing what you are is important, especially in the tinsel world, where everyone’s changing by the minute and you have a hard time knowing people’s real side. That helps you work things out easily.

And I have a big support system that doesn’t really allow me to get bogged down with stuff. That’s my biggest strength.

How did your entry into Tollywood happen?

Oh, there was a talent search happening for Snehageetham.I just sent in my pictures and I got through.

You are from NIT Warangal. That’s one of the last places I would look to find a Miss India contestant. What were you studying there?

ECE! Let me warn you,don’t write me off as a bimbo. I am intelligent. I was head-girl in school. I’ve always been a brilliant student & atopper.I am still academically inclined because I believe it is important.Education can get one throughin life. For me, acting is a wonderful learning process as well.And am thankful, that with whatever little raw talent I have, I’ve been given wonderful opportunities to hone them.

When did you start modeling?

I started modeling in my 3^rd year of college. I was at a stage in life where I wanted to figure out howto use my best traits as an individual to choose a path. And modeling was one of the options I wanted to take a shot at. It was more of a passion as well. One day, my mom casually sent my pictures to Femina.It was a big shock for me that I was shortlisted and it was a bigger shock when I actually won.

How important was your family’s support? Tell us about your family.

My family is awesome. My dad still finds it a little hard to believe that I got into movies when I could be pursuing other careers in life. But he has raised me well enough to know that I will make the right decisions. My mom’s a doll. Like all other moms of the world, she is a complete sweetheart. She is my best friend.I also have a younger sister who’s doing her engineering in Bangalore. My family is a huge part of my support group.

Where did you grow up?

I was born in Hyderabad, thenwe moved to Dubai, Bahrain, Doha, Sharjah. We’ve also lived in Delhi for some time in between. Considering how our country is such a powerhouse of academics, I decided to come back to Indiato finish my studies& then modeling & movies just happened.

So how ‘filmy’ are you?

Big Time! I grew up on movies. They were my staple diet. And not just Telugu, I watch any & every movie I can get my hands on.Bollywood, Hollywood, French, German, I am a total cinephile.But, I never imagined I’d be on the other side of the screen acting.I was more conditioned to be the audience, you know.

So what was going through on your mind the very first day of your shoot?

I was like – OMG! I was there in front of the camera. There were no jitters or racing of pulses though. It was just incredible. I couldn’t believe it. I felt so blessed to be there.I felt responsible for what was coming out. And this was my chance to prove myself.

Tell us something about your forthcoming projects.

Nah,I don’t want to count my chickens before they hatch&jinx my chances. I am in talks with some directors though. Let me add here that I see myself getting more confident in my interpretation of roles. My love and passion for acting has grown tremendously.

Great. So what are the roles that you see yourself doing in the future?

Given a chance, I would love to go all out on arty movies and films where I am given meaty substance roles. But I am level-headed to believe that there’s still a long way to go before I am handed such roles.I’m not destiny’s child. I don’t believe in luck. I know that if I have to achieve anything, I have to work hard towards it.

I want to do something revolutionary that makes people sit up and take notice, and I don’t mean it in a sleazy way.

Aha. So are you like the Girl next door or glam queen?

In movies, I don’t want to be stereotyped. It would be a minus point for me to get framed like that.In real life, I would consider myself to be a very radical individual. Because I’ve grown up in a family like that! I’ve always been around people who are strong-willed &independent. We are always throwing ideas around, discussing stuff and my family has always encouraged us to think out of the box. And I am really glad for that. No wonder, it is the same upbringing that is the reason I’m strong enough to enter the industry today.

So if the story requires an on-screen lip lock you would be okay with it?

Ummm…Errr…  Not Right Now! Maybe if I can trust the director to show it aesthetically. But people’s mindsethas to change. We, as Indians, can still be narrow-minded sometimes. I mean, for crying out loud, people make a huge deal if a couple hold hands in public.

Fair enough! Moving on, What’s your beauty mantra?

Stay away from the sun…

Wow, that’s great advice from a person who’s lived in the Middle-East & hot places like Delhi & Warangal all her life. Come on, you can do better than that…

[Laughs], okay here you go smarty pants. Smile a lot! Be nice to people, keep smiling andthat’s the best beauty mantra one can have in life. It’s easy to do, and it makes you very beautiful.

One role you would die for…

All that everything Savitri has ever touched… I mean she was just fantabulous!Ramyakrishna is also just mindblowing. Don’t even get me started on Sridevi. These are the actresses who have inspired me. I can’t even dare touch them but someday I hope to emulate them.

Wow, now I wasn’t expecting that answer from you…

So you thought you had me all figured out eh?

I guess not… Shreya, it was a pleasure!

Right back at yaAndy!

Quick takes

Fave actor – Aamir Khan

Actress – Kate Blanchett

Movie – Kshanakshanam, Gundammakatha, Aha naPellanta

Color – Shades of Violet & Purple

Vacation spot – Paris

Food – MenthikooraPappu

Bedroom liner – [Screams] Get up! It’s morning already!

Taken or still searching?– I’m gonna reveal it later.

Where would you like to be taken on a first date? Disneyland

What are you Humming Right now? Drift by 40 ft Echo

Reading? Agatha Christie, am a huge crime/thriller fan

What puts you off? Weak-willed/minded people

The sexiest man alive… Sachin Pilot

What color are you? Violet

Early mornings or late nights?Definitely Late Nights

Cook or takeaway?Both Either/or/and

Sexy or cool?Cool

Perfect guy…

Quotes

“I’m not a destiny’s child. I don’t believe in luck. I know that if I have to achieve anything, I have to work hard towards it.”

Priya Anand Exclusive Interview

A Gem of a girl!

We caught up with Priya Anand a.k.a Ratna Prabha of Leader fame after an exclusive shoot for MAA Stars.It’s hard to miss the twinkle in her eyes& her mischievous smile. Above all else, her clobbering enthusiasm just rubs off on you. Here’s what she had to say…

Good things come in small packages.You’re certainly proving it…

Dude, look at what is packed in this petite frame. It’s all about the attitude, not the ‘altitude’.  [winks]

How was it working with Rana & Ram?

Rana is the more serious type of guy. He’s so quiet all the time. I used to be the in-house prankster on the sets of Leader while it was the total opposite on the sets of RRKK. Ram looks innocent but he is like a mischievous little boy who is waiting to play pranks on you. But both of them are so committed during the shoot. I’ve learnt a lot about professionalism from both of them. It was a wonderful learning experience especially since I was shooting for both movies at once. The diversity in the themes was great to experience.

How are you dealing with all the attention coming your way?

Nothing has really changed per se. I still have the same friends. I do the same things I used to do before. I travel by autorickshaw, eat out at the same Idli bandi, hang out at Necklace Road, gorge on Biryani at Paradise & Shadab. I really wouldn’t have it any other way.

You’ve acted in two Tamil movies before Leader. How did you get into Tamil movies in the first place?

I live with my grandparents in Chennai, there I used to model a lot and slowly started acting in TV commercials, that’s when I was spotted by my director.

You can speak Tamil &Telugu quite well. And you dub your own voice. That’s winning you lots of brownie points.

That’s the thing about Sekhar Kammula. He was very particular that he wanted a Telugu girl for the role of Ratna Prabha. And I can speak Telugu well. So He & Rana insisted that I dub my own voice. It was really their discretion. I just followed my director’s advice.

There’s a bit of Marathi blood in there, as well I’m told. What else? You are quite the linguist. How many languages do you know?

Well, start counting – English, Telugu, Tamil, Bengali, Hindi & Spanish, 6 in all.

Take us down memory lane.Where did you grow up?

My mom’s from Chennai & dad’s from Hyderabad. So I grew up in both places. I moved to the US to study Communications &Journalism at the University of Albany.After completing my education, I moved back to Chennai to be with my grandparents.

Has being a Telugu girl in the industry made things easy or difficult for you?

Knowing the language you are acting in definitely makes it easy. Audiences want to see their kind. They want to relate to the characters.The actress should look native to the culture. And that’s where I come in I guess. My South Indian looks definitely help me.Directors are confident that I understand my scene better & react to it.

How was it working with Sekhar Kammula in Leader?

He’s more than a director to me. He is my mentor. He has so much fame & fortune yet he is so humble & real. No airs at all. I admire his outlook towards life.

What do you actually think of politics?

Oh spare me, it’s just not my cup of tea. But yes, working in Leader has brought out a different perspective. We would all love to see an Arjun Prasad-like politician but I don’t think it is practical.

What is your dream role?

I don’t really have a dream role as such but Ratna Prabha will always remain close to my heart. I’m just thankful for all the roles coming my way.

What has been your best experience in the industry so far?

The audience’s reaction to me has been so encouraging. I love spending time with my fans.

The Times of Priya

Are you single or hitched?

Am married to my work

Your idea of a Perfect guy…

Passionate, true to himself, grounded, close to family, should be able to keep me entertained & hold my attention

Current Crushes: Nobody

What’s your ideal date?

No fuss, no formal stuff, just surprise me. It’s as simple as that!

Craziest thing ever done – I can never mention it. It’s too embarrassing

Three things you are never without – Phone, Wallet, Chapstick

One thing no one knows about you – am scaredof snakes

When alone – I watch a movie

If you were a pizza topping – Chilis/jalapenos

If you were a tattoo on a man’s body,what would it be, and where?My name on his forearm

Firsts

Pet – I love dogs, but was never allowed to have pets

Crush – Chiranjeevi in Gharana Mogudu

Kiss – Pass[grins]

Car – Yet to buy one. Family owned cars don’t count, right?

Date – never been on a date in my life!

Good habits

Outgoing

Friendly

Make people comfortable

Hardworking

Bad habits

Can’t think past movies

Snap very easily

Praneetha Exclusive Interview For Maastars

Bava’sMaradalu

After scorching Sandalwood with her debut ‘Porki’, Pranita – the dreamy Bangalore model-turned-actress& leading lady of ‘Bava’,talks to Maa Stars about her entry into the Telugu film industry, what it means to work with Siddarth, her future plans and so much more in an exclusive with AnandRayapudi.

Hi Pranita, Welcome to Tollywood!Obviously,you must be excited.

Yeah, very! I’m just so kicked about my projects.It’s been an awesome start and I can’t wait for things to come. Everything & everybody are so professional here. It just gives you a whole new perspective into how movies are made.

You play the role of a village belle in ‘Bava’. Tell us something more about your role.

My character’s called Varalakshmi. She is a very bubbly, fun-loving village belle. I had lots of fun doing it because it was a total new experience for me playing the part. I’ve been a city-bred girl all my life. So, doing stuff that I’ve never done before in my life like wearing langavonis,getting to see the jataras and all that jazz was pretty exciting.

You’re paired with Siddarth, the chocolate boy of the Telugu industry…

[She immediately interrupts] Yeah, that was one of the coolest things ever.I’ve always had a huge crush on Siddarth! When I first got the role,my friends went all J on me and were like, “Wow! You’re working with Siddarth”! But in spite of his image & superstar status, he is really friendly. He just has no hangups whatsoever.He always made me feel comfortable. He used to give me tips & suggestions and helped me out with my shots and stuff. And it’s just wonderful to see him in action.

There are a lot of rumors surrounding you that you only want to work with big stars. Your comments…

Okay, I don’t even know who came up with that. When I was working on Porki, all my dates and schedules were full. And I had a clause in my agreement that I wouldn’t sign other movies till Porkireleased.And this is exactly what I told people when I was approached. I just don’t understand how this got misinterpreted.

Well, there’s no dearth of big stars here in the Telugu industry. Who would you like to work with next?

[Laughs] Well, if I make a list now, you’ll say, “there, she made a list with only big stars in it”. And people are going to bitch about me. So I guess I’m going to pass. ButI look forward to working with veterans like Prakash Rajbecause I know I can learn a lot from just watching them.

You must be happy with the way things are shaping up in your career… What’s it been like so far?

It’s been real awesome so far.Touch wood. I got good reviews for my acting in Porki. I’ve been signed on by good banners, working with great technicians. That said,I’m having fun every bit of the way but at the same time, learning a lot which is important. Right now, I just want to concentrate on my work.

Was it easier playing the village belle in Bava or the glamorous role in Porki?

Well, what if I said both weren’t easy.Because I’m neither of those in real life! I’m just a plain city girl. I’ve never been to villages. And neither am I the glamorous outgoing girl. That’s the wonderful thing about acting. It lets you play roles that are outside your personality. It’s tough but you learn to do it.

Okay so how many takes do you usually get the shot right in?

[Laughs] It doesn’t take too many, don’t worry.

Movies are getting bolder lately. Would you do a kissing scene if required? Your take…

The answer may sound clichéd but it really depends on the script & the kind of movie it is.

Will you do a Murder if it comes your way? After all, it was a genre changer & look at where it put MallikaSherawat today*

Definitely. I wouldn’t want to restrict myself to any roles and I want to try all kinds of genres out. There’s more to me than an image of a bubbly girl. And I want to break that mould.

What will you look for in a script?

Right now, since I’m just 2 movies old,I really am not in a position to choose. I’m just glad that I’m getting the right offers so far. Interesting scripts, the chance to work with great technicians, I’m just counting my blessings.

Eventually Bollywood?

Frankly, I’m not thinking that far right now. I just want to go with the flow.

How do you deal with all the adulation & fan base coming your way?

It’s a nice feeling. People recognize you on the street &and it makes you go “Wow, I’m famous!” [Grins toothily]

Let’s go back to how it all began. How did acting happen?

I was asked to audition for Porki when I was modeling in Bangalore. And the rest, I hope, will be considered history.

A day in the life of Praneetha…

All the free time, I spend with my family and friends. And I don’t party out much. I’m quite the ordinary girl in this aspect so there’s nothing interesting that you can write about me here [winks]

Tell us something about your childhood…

Well, both my parents are doctors and I am an only child. But I wasn’t at all pampered as a kid. So I warn you, don’t put the spoilt brat tag on me. I was always pushed to study and was expected to become an engineer, if not a doctor. But fate had something else in store for me that nobody expected.

Imagine you’re a soothsayer. What does your future tell you?

[Thinks for a second before saying] Okay, my imagination sucks. I just want to take each day as it comes. I do not want to think about the future right now.

A message for your fans…

Thanks for loving me. Watch my movies. I’ve worked real hard. Keep supporting me and I won’t let you down.

TOP THREE

3 things that you look for in a man – Honesty, Loyalty & a sense of humor

3 things you will take when marooned on an island – Cellphone, Laptop & my best friend

3 favorite movies of all time – Taal, Pokiri&Bommarillu

3 favorite songs of all time – Unfaithful by Rihanna, Hook Me Up – the Veronicas, Cry me a River – Justin Timberlake

3 foods you cannot live without – Chocolate, Bangalore Dosa&Dhokla

3 things you want to change about you –

• My sappy emotional side
• I need to learn to say No
• I can become very touchy about small issues.

New beauty Kruti Karbanda has been introduced to the Telugu Screen through the film ‘Boni’ as a heroine opposite hero Sumant. She was born in Delhi and grown up in Bangalore. She expressed her feelings as – “I am happy for making an entry into the Telugu film industry through a good movie like ‘Boni’. This movie was produced by Ramana Gogula in the direction of Raj Pippalla and has been released recently. ‘Boni’ is running with good openings. In this context, ‘Boni’ heroine Kruti was interviewed. Here are few of the excerpts of that exclusive interview……..

How did you get an opportunity to work in ‘Boni’?

I am a model. So, some of the coordinators were having my photos with them. While this was one reason for getting a chance of acting in the film, the other one was that Ramana Gogula has seen me in an Ad and sent word to me. As a model I have faced the camera but no acting experience at all. So felt little tensed. I was confirmed as heroine after the photo session.

What kind of experience did this film give you?

Telugu language is totally new to me. Because of this reason, initially I faced little difficulty. But with the help of the unit members, I was able to manage it. We all worked together like a family members and did this film. As a heroine this is my first film, so all the memories relating to this film will be remembered through out my life. I have experienced various feelings while doing this movie. I feel very happy for working with such a good unit.

Do you have any film background?

No. I hail from a middle class family. My Father is doing business in Bangalore and my mother is a housewife. I have a younger sister and younger brother. Till now I lead the life of a normal girl. I still could not believe that I have become a heroine in film. I feel very thrilled.

Did you watch any Telugu movies after accepting this ‘Boni’ film?

I have seen many movies in Telugu in this one and half year. As I acted beside Sumant, I watched more of his movies based on action, sentiment, etc. But among all of them, ‘Boni’ is different.

Did you take any training relating to acting?

No. I never had an idea of becoming an artist. I thought of continuing in my modeling profession only. After committing ‘Boni’, to have some understanding about the Telugu language, Ramana Gogula made me undergo the training in this language.

In the present generation, heroines are getting an opportunity to do more of glamour roles only. So, are you ready to do those glamour roles?

I did glamorous role in ‘Boni’ but with a decent look. In my future movies also, I don’t have any objection in doing glamorous role if it looks decent and is required for that movie, because the current trend requires glamour and we should be as per that trend. Inspite of all these, I have drawn a limitation line and will not do any exposing beyond that.

What did your parents say after watching ‘Boni’ film?

My parents never objected me while making modeling as my profession. They never disagreed to my decision of acting in ‘Boni’ film. They are giving me so much of support. After watching this movie, they appreciated my acting. Especially the words uttered by my mother – ‘I am proud of you’, gave me a joy that is inexpressible.

Normally, in what matters does your mother guide you?

My mother has a very good knowledge about costumes designing. The costumes worn by me in ‘Boni’ are not designed by her. In my personal life, all my dresses will be selected by her only. I will never go for shopping without her. She guides me in most of the things like – from selecting my dresses till my behaviour.

Now that ‘Boni’ is released….are you getting any offers for your next films?

I have two to three projects but will let you know after they are finalised.

What type of movies do you wish to do?

I will be happy, if I get movies like ‘Boni’. In this film, equal importance is given to both hero and heroine characters. As per my opinion, I would prefer acting in movies that give importance to heroine characters also. In case I don’t get such offers, then I will pick the better one out of which I get. I don’t have any hard and fast rules of what type of movies to act in. If I like the story, my role then I will act even though it is a mass or class film.

Are you trying for Hindi films?

If I had an intention of becoming an artist, then may be I would have tried for Bollywood films. But I became heroine unintentionally. Since I made by debut as a heroine in Telugu film Industry, it would be very nice, I become busy here itself. At the same time, I will not reject, if I get offers from Bollywood Film Industry.

Will you settle in Hyderabad?

Presently I am residing in Bangalore. Basing on my future film projects, I will decide later where to stay.

On the event of Jayasudha winning as a MLA, “MAA” members, Sri. Murali Mohan, AVS, AJV Prasad, Kadambari Kiran Kumar, Maharshi Raghava, Brahmmaji, Vinod Bala and Ashok Kumar visited her place in person and greeted her with flowers and congratulated her on the success. In this context, she has given an exclusive interview to the maastars.com.

Q: Since this is your first entry into the politics and winning as a MLA, what are your feelings about this success.

A: Normally I am a balanced person in all situations. At the same time, to tell you frankly, I am very happy with this success. I was confident of winning this elections but some where I had little tension within me.

Q: Whom do you feel are behind your success?

A: The party who nominated me to stand in the elections, its back ground good will and my popularity as an artist and as a social service figure working for the welfare of the people. Since I was new to the politics, my Party took care of me very well and made me comfortable. Apart from this, all my near and dear ones, well wishers gave me moral support to see this success. Sarada and Hero Raja also voluntarily came forward and supported me in the canvassing.

I have been into the social service for the past 3-4 years. I have come closer to the people through the launching of my website “mee jayasudha”. These two activities made me popular in the public apart from being an artist.

Q: How did your film career benefit you in your political success?

A: My experience in this film career helped me a lot in the political line. My way of approaching, method of interacting with the people, being free with them and listening to them. All these have been learnt by me while working in the film industry.

I was very short and sweet in my communication while canvassing for the elections. I never criticized any party.

Q: In your opinion, is Cinema glamour and popularity only the reasons for an artist to be successful in politics?

A: Only having Cinema glamour and popularity will not work. There are many other factors also to be taken into consideration. Few of them are – your way of talking, way of approaching, being down to earth and reaching the homes of the public and touching their hearts through your words. Making them know about the social activities your doing for them and the zeal you have. All these together earn a success.

Q: You are an MLA from the ruling party and can do much both for the public and for the film industry also. Would you support the industry in its development and growth? If, so what would be your contribution?

A: Film Industry is my parent association and that is the place where I have been shaped up into and what I am today. I feel it as a moral responsibility to support for its growth. Firstly I would strive to see that “MAA” has a separate place. Secondly I will be concentrating on proper health facilities to the 24 crafts in the film industry through providing good hospitals. Thirdly towards the other issues relating to the rapid development of the film industry.

Before taking leave from jayasudha’s place, Murali Mohan garu once again congratulated her on behalf of MAA and wished her success.