Her Tamil film in 2010, Mynaa, saw her nominated for a Filmfare award
and ina span of two years, she has worked in numerous Tamil movies
that have won critical acclaim and commercial success. Today,
21-year-old Amala Paul is regarded as not just as another pretty
facebut an actress who excels in her craft. She gets chatting with CT
telling us that she loves working out, believes in learning through
experience and more...
How do you feel aboutsigning the Vijay-Vijay film? I am really happy.
I'm sure any actress who's coming to Tamil cinema would have this
dream of working with Ilayathalapathy Vijay. And I'm also working with
director Vijay, which is likeicing on the cake! (Laughs)
Now, you're shooting for Samudrakani's film. It's a great working
experience. I don't regret not going to acting classesany more.
Working with himis huge learning experience. He's a directorwho takes
out the best from his actors.
You have evolved as an actress today from a de-glam role in Mynaa to a
different space in just two years. How has this journey been? It was a
great learning experience for me. I am working with the Mynaa
cameraman, Sukumar, again now and we were cherishing the experience of
Mynaa . At that time, I didn't know anything about the industry - I
knew all these actors I am working with today only because I have seen
their films. I always had as dream that one dayI will be everywhere
and this journey has been quite quick and fast. I thinkI am on the
right track signing on the right films. When I did Mynaa, I was soraw
and like an uncut diamond, I miss that innocence though.
You have done big films now in Tollywood and Kollywood. Was it a
conscious decision to do those roles or wereyou just lucky? Of course,
it was a conscious decision. Whenever I want to be a part of a project
ora role I want it to be different - different from the previous film
and offersomething new and fresh. After Mynaa , I got a lot of village
belle roles but I didn't want to do that kind of film immediately
after Mynaa . Good roles come to me but sometimes I seek out roles
like Kadhalail Sodhpuvadhu Eppidi, for instance, where I wanted to be
part of that project.
Where do you want your foothold to be - Tamil or Telugu? I wantto work
in all languages - not just south languages. Ilove Bengali films. I am
a crazy fan of good films no matter what the language. But Tamil
cinema is like my mother. This is where I did my debut film and
without this I would not have had acareer, audience, etc.
Are you now a fitness freak? I used to work outduring my modelling
days and then last year lost outon it. This year I have gotten back to
it and it's very relaxing at the end of the day. It's not about
looking good for a film; it's for myself. Of course, I am not trying
to be Jennifer Lopez! (Laughs)
And is Mynoo (her pet Shih Tzu) your constant companion? (Laughs) I
didn't want to leave her at home alone today so I took her to the
location.
What do you see for Amala Paul in 2013? Long schedules, shooting
abroad, travel. Missing my Valentine's Day, Christmas and New Year.
(Laughs) I have a lot of fantastic projects lined up for release. I'm
really excited!