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Swati is back with the Subramaniapuram team

Swati has made a mark as an actress with fine performances in Telugu films like Ashta Chamma, Kalavaramaye Madilo and Golconda High School and bagged awards too. She invariably plays lively, bubbly, characters. Recently she surprised audiences with a tuneful rendition of the song A Square B Square in the film100 % Love.

In this interview, she talks about her most recent roles -- a cameo in Kandireega and her new Tamil film Porali which will go on the floors shortly.

One got to see you in the new avatar of a singer in 100 % Love. How did that happen?

I first sang a song in KSD Appalraju (Unbelievable, This is Raju) which nobody knew as it was not aired on TV. The idea to sing was Ram Gopal Varma's. I sang that song with Sreeram Chandra. It was a comfortable experience singing with Koti (the composer).

Devi Sri Prasad (director of 100% Love) heard the song and said 'you should sing for me'. I didn't take it seriously. Then he called me to Chennai and voice tested me. That was how the song happened. The response has been crazy. I've been getting so many calls and messages. Even some singers have called me. I don't know if I should feel embarrassed or proud.

Are you trained as a singer?

I was in my school choir and band; that's taken very seriously in the Naval Public School. We used to participate in inter-school competitions. In the band, I played the flute. My music teacher encouraged me to sing. I've grown up listening to music.

'I was upset with dismal performance of KSD Appalraju'

Do we get to hear more songs from you?

I have been getting calls from composers asking me to sing. I can't carry off every song. It has to suit me and the mood of the film.

Were you unhappy about the dismal performance of KSD Appalraju?

Yes, I was upset. There was too much expectation and hype. That scared me. But I got to work with Ram Gopal Varma, and did a song and dance too due to which I got to sing a song in 100 % Love.

I have to move on.

You are doing a cameo in the Ram-Hansika starrer Kandireega. Can you tell us about it?

I did a special appearance in Mirapakkai. It was a friendly gesture as I knew the director and Ravi Teja. The first cameo I am doing is in Kandireega. It's a cute character. It's just one scene, but when the director told me about me about it, I was hooked. I am also doing a song.

'I haven't been bombarded with films'

Why haven't you taken up any Telugu projects?

People saw me as Lavanya in Ashta Chamma. Then I waited and Kalavaramaye Madilo happened. After a while I did Golconda High School and then KSD Appalraju. I haven't been bombarded with films. I have to be comfortable doing things. I need something to appeal to my senses.

Now you will be working with Sashi Kumar under Samuthirakani's direction in Porali. What made you take this up?

They have been calling me after Subramaniapuram. They asked me for Nadodigal but I felt it was the same davani (half-sari) clad girl role of Thulasi that I played in Subramaniapuram. I liked the script of Porali when it was narrated to me. The people are decent and it is a familiar team too. One wants comfort so that one can concentrate on work.

Have you started the shoot? Is it being shot in a single schedule?

I haven't started filming. Yes, it will be shot in a single schedule.

'I am still learning Tamil'

Are you happy to be back in a Tamil film?

I am thrilled to be back.

Have you started brushing up on your Tamil?

I took out all my books including Learn Tamil in 30 days. I am hoping to pick up more of the language.

What happened to the Tamil film directed by Selvargahavan which you even shot in Ladakh with Vikram? Has it been shelved?

I have no idea. I shot in Ladakh and Chennai for it. I am clueless about it. It was a radical script, a demanding and challenging character.