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Sameera Reddy: Vettai is typical Lingusamy

This Pongal is special for Sameera Reddy; her film Vettai directed by Lingusamy, will release on January 14. 

Lingusamy is one of the most successful commercial directors in Tamil films. Vettai also has stars such as Madhavan, Arya and Amala Paul keeping Sameera Reddy company.

In this interview, Sameera Reddy talks about her role in Vettai.

What was your initial reaction when Lingusamy offered you the role of a typical Tamil village girl, considering that you have always had a different image?

My reaction was ecstatic. I started off with this very Indian look in music videos. The glamorous look came much later. And it worked. But I am more comfortable with the sari-clad, Indian look. At the end of the day, I am a Kathak dancer! 

Regarding acting as a Tamil girl, the director had to help me there. I have to give full credit to Lingusamy for working so hard on me for the role of Vasanthi in the film. 

'Earlier I didn't understand the language and didn't know what was happening around me'

So, you enjoyed being draped in saris and half saris....

It was very comfortable. I love the half sari. It's very, very feminine and at the same time, has the look of a sari. On a young girl, it looks cute. 

Was it tough enacting the role of a village girl?

Not at all. I enjoyed playing Vasanthi. She is a fiery village belle, full of energy. I didn't have to be coy and shy to be a village girl. 

I have come a long way from the days of Vaaranam Aayiram. At that time, I didn't understand the language and didn't know what was happening around me. Now, I understand the lingo and am very comfortable here. 

'There were no ego hassles between Maddy and Arya'

Do you feel people will forget Meghna and you will be known as Vasanthi after Vettai?

I do not want anyone to forget Meghna. I haven't forgotten her either. She is that special to me. That was one of the best roles I have ever done. Meghna will remain in my heart forever. 

Is it true that the chemistry between the two brothers and two sisters is the highlight of the film?

Of course. Between Maddy and Arya, there were no ego hassles and they were really like two brothers. In fact, they also looked like real brothers. I am laid back and Amala is new, and it worked really well in the film.

'My comic timing is quite good'

There are two weddings in the film. How were the wedding scenes?

I loved both the wedding scenes. In fact, I loved Amala Paul's wedding more than mine. All decked up in finery, flowers and all, it was great. 

Vettai is an entertainer. Did you get to do comedy?

Yes, there were a lot of comical elements in all the characters and I am sure audiences will have a blast watching those scenes, just as we had a blast doing them. I love comedies because during a festival, the entire family goes to see a movie and families will have real fun watching the comic scenes. 

I have done quite a few comedies in Hindi, so I can say I got great training there. My comic timing is quite good. In my last Tamil film with Prabhudeva I got to do comedy. I love doing comic scenes. 

I would say the film caters to all classes and all ages. It is typical Lingusamy.

With whom are your comic scenes?

A lot of my comic scenes are with Arya. Also, with the guy who comes to marry Amala. In those scenes, I had a blast.

'Maddy is a darling, he is such a good friend and a genuinely nice person'

How was it acting with Madhavan?

Maddy is a darling. He is such a good friend and a genuinely nice person. You feel quite comfortable working with him. He helped me a lot with the dialogues. I would say both Arya and Maddy were great to work with.

On the whole, was it an enjoyable experience?

It was a nice experience. I am grateful to Lingusamy for helping me improve my Tamil as he spoke to me only in Tamil.

You have acted in Buddhadev Dasgupta films and also commercial entertainers like Vettai...

Commercial entertainers are very important in an actor's career as only commercial entertainers will take you closer to the masses. So, I am happy to do commercial entertainers. 

Will you be in Chennai for Pongal when Vettai releases?

Unfortunately, I will not be here. I have to be in Sharjah for the CCL launch.