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Karthika: I want to do selective films
Karthika Nair (daughter of actress Radha) began her film career with the Telugu film Josh, which released in 2009.
She went on to work with K V Anand in Ko (dubbed in Telugu as Rangam) which was a blockbuster and made her Malayalam debut in Lenin Rajendran's Makaramanju.
Karthika is acting in her second Telugu film, Dammu, directed by Boyapati Seenu, with NTR Jr and Trisha.
She speaks about the new film and her career as an actress in this exclusive chat with Radhika Rajamani.
Why did you take more than two years to sign your second Telugu film?
I did other movies in between such as the Malayalam film Makaramanju and the Tamil film Ko.
I don't want to sign films for the sake of doing films. I want to do selective movies.
I am also studying and have to attend college. I am doing a Business degree from a college in Mumbai (Russell Square) affiliated to the London School of Economics. I want a bit of both worlds.
'I didn't want to do the second lead in this film'
What made you take up Dammu?
The main reason was Seenu garu. He was particular about to cast me for the role.
Since it was a two-heroine film, I didn't want to do the second lead. I first rejected it. But Seenu garu was persistent, so I signed it.
Tarak (NTR Jr) is an amazing dancer. My mom is his fan. The film has an amazing star cast. I was happy to have Trisha for the first lead.
Is the film the usual entertainer?
It's a full-on commercial movie. Love is a part of it. The two heroines, Trisha and I, are there throughout the film. It's a typical big budget movie with action, romance and comedy.
'NTR is a fab dancer'
Could you describe your role?
I play a traditional girl from a royal family. Trisha plays the girl from the city. I am all dressed up in royal finery. I can't reveal more than that.
You are a classical dancer; do you get to showcase your dancing skills in the film?
Yes, of course -- in the title track and one song. NTR is a fab dancer. It was easy and comfortable doing the dances.
How was NTR Jr as a co-star?
When shooting, Tarak is a professional. He is very involved in, and concerned about, every shot. That shows his passion.
He's full of life on the sets, a very hyper and jolly guy. He's a blast on the sets.
'I couldn't have asked for a better costar than Trisha'
How was it to share space with Trisha?
I couldn't have asked for a better co-star. Although Trisha is senior, she is down to earth. This film helped me get a good friend.
Boyapati Seenu is known for his mass commercial entertainers and he has had hits so far. Do you think he will taste another hit with Dammu?
Dammu be will no less. I think it'll be his best work.
How was it working under Seenu?
Seenu Sir knows how to portray his heroines. He trusted me and was happy with my skills. It was encouraging. He wanted me to dub for the film but because of the time factor, I couldn't do it.
'Ko was also acknowledged as the best location film'
You are now shooting for Bharathiraja's Annakodiyum Kodiveeranum...
It's a heroine-oriented role. It's shot against a rural backdrop and portrays four stages of a woman's life. It's a performance-oriented role.
You had a hit in Ko. It was a runaway hit in Telugu too (dubbed as Rangam). How does it feel?
I feel very satisfied. Hard work pays off. It was also noticed as the best location film.
'I've signed two new Tamil films'
You did Josh a few years ago. How have you progresses as an actor since then?
When I did Josh, I was a kid. If there's a change it's for the audience to say.
It's a privilege to work with legends like Lenin Rajendran, K V Anand and Bharatiraja.
I feel more confident. I have been getting roles where there is scope for performance. I want to do a few movies which will stay long in people's minds.
What are your new projects?
I've signed two Tamil movies -- one is Vijay's production, with Vikram Prabhu, and the other is with Vishal to be directed by Sundar C.