'The day I get engaged I will announce it'

Kannada actress Aindrita Ray's (popularly known to her industry colleagues and friends as Andy) latest film, Rajani Kantha, released on March 1 across Karnataka, a year after her last film Paarijaatha. 

Rajani Kantha also marks the return of the hit pair Duniya Vijay and Aindrita who sizzled on screen in their last outing Junglee. 

In Paarijatha, handsome hunk Diganth was Aindrita's co-star. The film hit the screens last year ahead of Valentine's Day fueling speculation that the co-stars were dating. The latest rumour doing the rounds in Kannada cinema is that the two have secretly tied the knot, but both have vehemently denied this. 

Aindrita's calendar in 2012 was busy with three films -- Jiddi, Tony and a special appearance in Soori's Kaddipudi. 

She was laid up with dengue fever for three months in 2012. She has just started work on her latest film Bhajarangi opposite Shivarajkumar.

In this interview with Srikanth Srinivasa, Aindrita talks about her latest release Rajani Kantha and spills the beans about her relationship status.

What appealed to you about Rajani Kantha that happens to be Duniya Vijay's film?

It has an interesting script and is basically a commercial film. People liked my combination with Viji in Junglee, which was a good commercial entertainer.

There were a lot of offers that paired the two of us together because the combination had worked well. I chose Rajani Kantha because this is a fun movie and is entertaining. There were a lot of funny scenes with Viji almost similar to Junglee. 

I chose this movie as there's a young feel to it. These days, commercial films work with drama, romance, humour and action. Director Pradeep Raj has given a hit earlier and producer Manju promotes his movies well.

Why was there such a long gap after your last release?

That is not in my hands or in any actor's hands. I was busy working in three films during 2012. The hard work that I have put in the last year will see three films releasing this year. Rajani Kantha is the first to release. 

Basically, I am an adventurous person who takes a break after every project. I take one or two months off after I finish a film to go on a trek or on a holiday. 

I wait for the right film. I don't believe in being totally dedicated to work. I don't believe in doing films for the sake of publicity or money or doing work. I don't want to be labelled as a busy actress.

I believe in doing quality work. I believe in doing work that grabs my interest and attention. I don't like to be continuously working all the time without taking gaps. I should relax, take time off and enjoy life as a young person.

What were all these rumours about your engagement?

Usually, I switch off and tune off from everything -- media and publicity -- when I am not working. There is a lot of speculation and interest about what this girl is doing and whether she has got engaged. 

These rumours are very silly and ridiculous. 

I have always said in all my interviews that there is at least another two or three years to go for me to get married. Like any girl, I also dream about marriage and get excited about things like love in my life. 

The day I get engaged I will definitely make an announcement. There's nothing to hide about something that excites me. 

Of late there are reports that you are going on a signing spree just to dispel these rumours. Is it true?

No. I have signed only Bhajarangi opposite Shivarajkumar for which work has just begun. There's no other film that I have signed. I finished Kaddipudi where I make a special appearance. I play a sex worker in the movie.