Shanvi: RGV told me not to smile in Rowdy

Upcoming actress Shanvi Srivastava is drawing applause from Kannada audiences for her performance in Chandralekha that opened to a good response Friday, March 7 all across the state.

Shanvi acts mostly in Telugu films and Chandralekha is her first Kannada film.

She made an impressive debut in the Telugu film Lovely, but it was her second Telugu film, Adda, that got her the rave reviews.

Shanvi is currently working on another Telugu film, Rowdy, directed by Ram Gopal Verma.

In this interview, the Varanasi girl talks about her debut in Kannada cinema and her film career so far.

How did you get to sign your first Kannada film?

Nandita, who played my role in the Telugu original, was supposed to do this film as well. But she was quite busy.

We look somewhat similar. I had seen the Telugu film and I was sure any girl who saw it wouldn't have said 'no' to the role.

It is a fantastic character to play. There were no second thoughts about doing this movie.

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What was it like working in a film that was partly a horror film?

It’s been my toughest film so far. I worked for almost 20 hours at a stretch sometimes.

I was promoting my second Telugu film Adda during the day and shooting this film at night. My eyes became red and it troubled me no end as I wear lenses.

The film unit used to give me a blower effect that would blow hot air on me. I could barely open my eyes with the blower on.

This has been my toughest film. I am not sure if I will get such roles in the future.

You managed to look good and fresh in spite of these hardships…

When I saw myself on screen, I was surprised that I have managed to look good and fresh.

I had not slept properly during the shoot and was exhausted. Whenever I found time, I would remove my make-up and try to catch up on my sleep for about three to four hours.

Luckily, nothing of this is visible on the screen. I am glad that they have made me look good.

How did you find working in a new language?

Of course, I found Kannada tough. I managed with the help of people around me.

It is tough to express and speak the lines in a language that you don’t quite understand.

I am quite comfortable with Telugu now and I can converse quite well.

For an actor, language should not be a barrier; giving the right expression is what matters. I am sure I will be comfortable once I do more Kannada films.

How would you define your role in Chandralekha?

This character has every shade of a woman. I never imagined I would be able to look scary.

I had discussed this role with Nandita before I signed the film. I was often told by people that I should act like her.

I told them I could not copy another actress. I could only do the best I could.

I did get spooked during the night as my portions were shot at that time. We would shoot in a haunted house and I felt spooked because I had to get into the role.

What was it like working with director Omprakash Rao?

Omprakash Rao is a hard taskmaster on the sets but a kind- hearted man. He drew the best out of me.

I thank him for polishing my acting skills and for making me a better actress.

Working with him helped me when I started work under Ram Gopal Varma’s direction in the Telugu film Rowdy.

What are your expectations from the movie?

I am expecting a few good things. I am happy with the media reviews and the audience response to my role.

I would love to do some interesting films in Kannada and Telugu.

What movies are you currently involved in?

I am doing two Telugu films -- Pyar Mein Padopayani opposite Adi, and Ram Gopal Varma's Rowdy co-starring Vishnu Manchu.

Pyar Mein Padopayani is a romantic film while Rowdy is a political drama. Ram Gopal Varma is directing after a long time.

What was it like working with Ram Gopal Varma?

I had to be perfect working with him. He is not such a hard taskmaster as Omprakash Rao. It was a different experience.

He told me not to smile or show any bubbly behaviour as my role is quite serious in Rowdy. I don’t get to put on make-up in the movie.