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'I have an important role in Daggaraga Dooranga'

Vedhicka Kumar is nine films old, and has worked in Tamil, Kannada and Telugu films. Her last Telugu film, Baanam (2009), won her critical acclaim and the Nandi award for the Second Best Performance.

Vedhicka will now be seen in Daggaraga Dooranga, directed by Ravi Chavali and co-starring Sumanth. She talks to Radhika Rajamani about the role and film.

You took time signing Daggaraga Dooranga after your last release, Baanam, in 2009. Why?

It's important for me to do quality work. I was doing two films in Tamil and Kannada. After Baanam, I wanted to wait a bit and do a proper role. My role in Daggaraga Dooranga is extraordinary.

What is extraordinary about it?

It's an out-and-out performance oriented one. It's not one where the heroine is there just for the glamour. I have an important role. The script and the concept are quite new and I was impressed with that and with the team.

What role do you play?

I play a simple girl from Vizag. She is an ordinary girl facing extraordinary situations and this makes the film interesting. It's entertaining and refreshing and not run-of-the-mill.

'I'm happy if I'm able to do a good movie once in three or four months'

Are you happy you got a substantial role?

I am very happy. In Baanam, too, I had a performance oriented role. Baanam won second best film of the year and I won the Nandi award for the second best performance.

I had to live up to those expectations and didn't want to do just any film. I'm happy to do quality work. I'm happy if I'm able to do a good movie once in three or four months.

How did you approach your role in Daggaraga Dooranga?

I play this girl-next-door who goes through situations and faces them. Apart from practising and improving my Telugu, there was not much to do. I made sure I learnt my lines very well.

'Sumanth is a very protective co-star'

Sumanth said you exceeded his expectations. How was he as a co-star?

He was wonderful. He's a very protective co-star. We had these running scenes to do, without shoes, on stony roads, and he would tell me to be careful. He cares a lot. For the first time, I am seeing a co-star who cares. He's a thorough gentleman. 

How was Ravi Chavali as a director?

He was wonderful to work with and he guided me well. He was sensitive in bringing out the emotions. Overall, it's a sensible film. There's nothing too cinematic.

It's a commercial film where the action sequences are realistic. The film is a fine balance between commercial and real.

'I don't want to be typecast in one genre or role'

Are the roles in Baanam and Daggaraga Dooranga very different?

Change is always good. As an actress you don't want to be typecast in one genre and role.

In Baanam, even the lip movements were subtle. In Daggaraga Dooranga, the character I play is a simple girl but she speaks her mind. She's urban and chilled out, but not very glamorous. She's modern in the way she dresses. It was good playing the contrast.

You are not often seen in Telugu films? Why?

Because I was doing Tamil films. This is my third straight Telugu film. I am considering scripts in Telugu. I am looking forward to working more in Telugu.

'I don't want people to refer to me as somebody who takes up anything'

Would you do films in other languages?

I don't pick up just any film. As and when good scripts and good roles come, I will do them. I want to earn a good name as an actress. I don't want people to refer to me as somebody who takes up anything.

What made you take up acting?

Since my childhood, I've wanted to do something creative. I wanted to be an actor so after I completed my studies, I signed my first film.

I thought so many people want to enter films and few get the opportunity to do so. I got the opportunity to face the camera. I have done nine films. There's a long way to go.