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'I've learnt to be more careful'

Aidrita Ray's much-in-the-news Kannada film Nooru Janmaku, which also stars Santosh, is set for release this Friday.

The actress talks about her role, director Nagathihalli Chandrashekar and her future projects. Excerpts:

What is your role like in Nooru Janmaku?

In Nooru Janmaku, I play a very sensible girl. My character Drishti is an architect. She has her head on her shoulders, and is full of values and conviction. Drishti is very career oriented but at the same time someone who is deeply in love. In fact I am the source of inspiration for Vinyas (Santhosh) whom I'm in love with. I am instrumental in expanding his business. Nooru Janmaku is a love story with recession as the backdrop.

'Santosh's passion for cinema is infectious'

How was it working with Santosh?

This is his first film as the lead hero. His passion for cinema is infectious. He involved himself both in acting as well as the production work. He never shirked away from responsibilities. It was really nice working with him.

Nooru janmaku, nooraru janmaku is a popular song from Nagathihalli Chandrashekar's previous film America America. How was the experience of shooting for the remixed version of the song?

Macau has been shown like never before in this song. The camera angles used are also trend setting. The song is a visual treat. We shot at the Venetian Resort which is a huge and beautiful structure. There were north, south, east and west blocks and we often got lost in the resort!

Another location that I enjoyed shooting in was Hong Kong. We shot the climax scene on a cruise at around 6.30 am. All we could see was the blue deck, sky and the sea. It was such an awesome sight. The visuals are sure to set new standards.

'My next is Veeraparampare with Sudeep'

You alleged that your director slapped you on the sets. What happened?

I still don't know why the whole incident took place. Tension was apparently the root cause of the trouble. But I want to know what this tension was all about as we were well ahead of our schedule.

Rumours are doing rounds that you are out of work after you made this accusation. Is this true?

Not at all! In fact I was approached by filmmakers to star opposite big stars. I couldn't sign any of the films due to some other reasons. Also I am in no big hurry to sign projects. The whole of last year I was busy and now I want to take things easy and enjoy the success of Junglee and Manasaare that won me an award. I have my hands full even now.

What are your upcoming projects?

There is Veeraparampare with Sudeep. The film is directed by S Narayan. I play a very bubbly and bold character in the film. There is also Dhool in which I play a college going girl.

'I haven't been paid 50 per cent of my fee for Nannavanu'

What about Nannavanu?

I don't wish to discuss this project simply because they haven't paid 50 per cent of my fee. They thought I was naive and would take things lying down. While I started the project, I was new to the industry and its ways, but now I have learnt to be more careful. And I am just asking for what I deserve to get. I have worked hard for that money. Even to this day, I am ready to promote the film if they pay me my dues. Also I was dubbed arrogant after I asked for my share, but in the same breath I was also called innocent! Please explain this statement to me...

How do you deal with controversies and link ups?

While people create controversies to get publicity, link ups are only a part of being famous. We look at our co-stars as friends and hang out with them that's it! Ultimately I'm answerable to only my family and myself.

Why don't you clear the air and say if there is someone special in your life?

He's not someone whom I can name! All I can say is that my guy will be someone who's a lot like me. He won't be a show- off and he'll have to love dogs!

'Script matters a lot to me'

Coming back to films, do you feel you are being type cast?

First of all, I like playing bubbly characters. Second, while I have played such characters, I've also done films like Manasaare, where I played a mentally disturbed girl. In Vaayuputra I essayed the role of a tomboy. I am open to different roles and surely wish to experiment.

Is there a particular kind of role that you are looking to do?

Rather than wanting to do something that has already been done, I want to play a character that others would gain inspiration from. However, Julia Roberts is an actress I admire. Like her, I wish to do both romantic comedies and serious films. 

Recently a daily played an April fool joke on how I was being considered as the next Bond girl. Given the number of calls I got after that article was published, I wished I had got such an opportunity.

What do you look for while signing on a project?

I am a director's actor, so first and foremost the director will have to be good. Script matters a lot to me. Also my character should be of that sort that if removed from the film, the story won't move on.