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Annie: I felt as if I was Mallamma
Annie, a class VI student, has been acting in Telugu films since the age of three, and has 25 movies to her credit so far. Born and brought up in Hyderabad to Malayalam speaking parents, Annie has given endearing performances in Athidi, Stalin, Ek Niranjan, Swagatham, and Vikramarkudu, among others.
She has acted with the likes of Chiranjeevi, Mahesh Babu, Nandamuri Balakrishna, Jagapathi Babu, Gopichand, Ravi Teja, and Ram.
She dubs her own dialogues in Telugu. She has also done a Bhojpuri film titled Shiva directed by Dinesh Yadav.
In her most recent film Rajanna, Annie stole hearts with her poignant performance as Mallamma. She talks about what it was like to play the role and her experiences of the just released Rajanna.
How did you get the role in Rajanna?
I heard about the project from my agent. Sriman of Annapoorna Studios narrated the story. I heard my part of it.
Were you excited that Nagarjuna is acting in it and producing it?
Yes, I was very excited about that.
'It was not difficult to play Mallamma'
Did Rajamouli and Vijayendra Prasad (the film's directors) help you portray the role of Mallamma?
Vijayendra Prasad uncle and Rajamouli uncle helped me a lot. Prasad uncle used to act out the part to show me what he wanted. The background songs also helped me. When the songs were played, I used to feel the emotions automatically.
How difficult was the role? You had to walk a long distance in the hot sand, be in a burning hut...
It was not difficult. Vijayendra Prasad uncle used to tell me clearly what I should do. Moreover, I liked the story. I even did a small stunt of rolling down when I set out on the journey to Delhi. I did it but later I cried as the bangles I was wearing pierced my hand and I was in pain.
Were you scared during the shooting of the burning hut?
I was scared. The fight master Vijay explained it to me. I cried but I did the shot. The cut was announced fast. Nasser uncle helped me a lot in this shot. I am scared of fire and water.
'My brother cried after watching the film'
How did you manage to give such a moving and touching performance as Mallamma?
I thought I was Mallamma going through the suffering. People kept calling me Mallamma also.
How was it being directed by Vijayendra Prasad and Rajamouli?
Both the uncles were superb. They saw me as their daughter and pampered me. I was given chocolates by Rajamouli uncle.
How have your friends and family reacted to your performance?
Everyone said I acted well. My brother said he cried. Some of my friends are yet to see the film.
'I felt sad as I just had two shots with Nagarjuna'
How was it acting with Nagarjuna?
I was very happy working with Nagarjuna and the crew. I felt sad I just had two shots with Nagarjuna in the film.
How did you manage your studies and film shoot?
The shoot was for 55 days. I took permission from my school. My teachers at the Indo-English High School, where I study, extended their support. Some days I had a full-day shoot, other times it was half a day, so I managed. My friends and teachers helped me.
Why do you like acting?
When I started to act at the age of three, I didn't know I was acting. By the time I was six or seven years old, I thought I would get a chance to see heroes and heroines if I act. I have made many new friends here now.
'I am not sure if I want to become an actor when I grow up'
Would you like to be an actor when you grow up?
I have not yet decided.
What do you like to do in your free time?
I like to dance, I like to act in front of the mirror, I paint, hear Telugu films songs and English songs.