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'No debut can be as big as one with Mahesh Babu'

From engineering to acting in a Telugu film, debutante actress Kriti Sanon tells us about her journey.

Kriti Sanon grew up in Delhi and graduated in engineering. She did some modelling before being offered her first film in Telugu 1 Nenokkadine opposite actor Mahesh Babu.

Her performance was appreciated, and she got her Bollywood break.

While shooting for her debut Hindi film Heropanti (with Tiger Shroff), she took a short break and spoke to Radhika Rajamani about 1 Nenokkadine.

Were you always interested in films?

I never thought of it as a profession. When I was in my second year of engineering, I thought I should try modelling. I wanted to get my portfolio made by Dabboo Ratnani.

I landed up winning a fresh face contest online. Not only did I get a free portfolio by Ratnani, but also a two-year contract with Elite Model Management Agency.

It was not easy staying in Delhi and doing commercials. But I got some good brands and enjoyed the shoots and being in front of the camera.

I had not done theatre though I was into dancing. Then my dad went to Mumbai and I shifted. Kwon had a tie-up with Elite and I began modelling there and that was when I got this Telugu film offer.

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'I was nervous as it was the first time I was acting in a film'

What made you want to act in a Telugu film?

There was nothing like I would do only Hindi films. Once I got the Telugu offer, I flew down. I wanted a perfect debut, not something small where you would go unnoticed.

Nothing can be bigger than this. This film was the perfect start. It had a huge star, Mahesh Babu, the director Sukumar and 14 Reels Entertainment was producing it.

How was the first day of shooting? Were you nervous?

I was nervous as it was the first time I was acting in a film. I had not met Mahesh Babu till then.

He was very calm when I met him on the sets.  We discussed scenes with the director. Slowly, my nervousness went away. Everyone supported me and therefore the comfort level came easily.

It feels great. It was a challenge for me to perform in a language which is alien to me. I had to work harder.

How did you surmount the language barrier?

I cannot mug up my lines. I used to make sure an assistant director was around who would explain the meaning of every word in Hindi.

'Mahesh is a perfectionist'

Most of the reviews have been favourable. You have been called gorgeous, beautiful etc. How does that feel?

It feels great. The burden is off your shoulders. I was nervous about how my first film will be received. It was a huge project and I wondered if I would come up to expectations.

Mahesh is a perfectionist and I must match up to that level. So I was anxious. I am so relieved that the response has been positive.

How was Mahesh Babu as a co-star?

Mahesh Babu is an amazing and great actor. I learnt a lot from him.

He did not show that he is a huge star. He made me comfortable. There was no barrier.

I could talk to him; he would give suggestions at times to do the shots in better ways.

How did you get along with the rest of the team?

It was quite easy. Everyone was friendly and co-operative. The director was friendly and I would joke around with him.

It was a family-like atmosphere. I mix easily with people and I managed to do that here too.

'My dad was scared initially when I wanted to join films'

The film was shot in numerous places – Belfast, London, Thailand, Goa, Hyderabad. Was it exciting?

It was exciting as I was seeing all these places for the first time. I had been to Hyderabad once.

Have you seen the film?

I saw it twice in Mumbai.

How did your parents react to the film?

They were happy to see me. They liked the film without knowing the language. My mother said she is proud of me.

Dad was scared initially when I wanted to join films, but he has now realised that I am able to do things on my own, be independent. Now my dad is more excited than my mom.

'There are great technicians here'

Would you like to do more Telugu films?

Of course, why not?

Any comments about the Telugu film industry?

It is a great industry to be part of. I am blessed to be here. There are great technicians here.

The Hindi industry is now remaking Southern films. I feel great to be a part of this industry.

Have you signed any other Telugu film?

Not yet, I am still in talks.