Ramya, numero uno of the Kannada film industry, has bagged hot Tamil director Gowtham Menon's new film Vaaranam Aayiram.

This is Menon's next release after Pachakili Muthucharam, starring Sarat Kumar, Jyothika and Andrea. In Vaaranam Aayiram, Andrea will have a significant role, while the male lead is Menon's good friend and favourite actor, Surya.  

"Yes, I had done the photo shoot almost a week ago but did not reveal the news because the cast was finalised only two days ago," an excited Ramya told rediff.com. "I was specifically told by Menon-sir that the information had to be kept  secret. It is nice that the news came out first from the person who has signed me." 

Ramya is currently considered Kannada filmdom's good luck charm; a string of hits giving her a star status unmatched by any heroine since Malashri ruled the industry in the late eighties and early nineties.  

Ramya has had two major hits this year. Jothe Jotheyalli will reach its hundred-day run very soon. Her more recent release, the Kavitha Lankesh-directed Tananam Tananam, was panned by critics, but the film has been attracting good crowds even in its fourth week

As if landing Gautham Menon's film weren't enough, Ramya has been approached by Director Rathnaja to be paired with none other than Shivaraj Kumar.

Rathnaja's debut film Nenapirali won many awards and, in a double whammy, also became a commercial hit. Ramya has wanted to work with Shivaraj Kumar for a long time, as she had worked with Puneet Raj Kumar in two films.

Rathnaja's film will be produced by well known music director Hamsalekha, who has written the story and dialogues as well. The film will be launched once Shivaraj Kumar completes his present assignments. 

Another leading film producer, R S Gowda, is also planning to sign Ramya for his own forthcoming film, also with Shivaraj Kumar in the male lead.

The real clincher though is the Menon film. The director has a penchant for etching strong roles for his heroines (remember Jyothika's role in Kaakha Kaakha and Vettayadu Vilayadu); it could be the perfect vehicle for Ramya to make a mark in the Tamil industry.