Trisha's candour is a source of perpetual delight. Just back from a whirlwind schedule in Mumbai, the actor is ready to turn on the charm. Keeping her fingers crossed over the hype about today's release Vinnaithaandi Varuvaayaa , she confesses: “The build-up makes me nervous.” Then, in a blink, she gets into a laughter-strewn chat as if life's in the moment.
That's typically Trisha. A blithe spirit that's floated about Kollywood since her first major release Lesa Lesa (2003), she's, however, not unfamiliar with the ways of showbiz. She'd rather approach life like a canvas of experiences, picking out the right shades, and enjoy them. “Honestly, when there's too much excitement about a film, it's natural to get a bit anxious. But, I'm confident the film will do well. A romance with a refreshing treatment, I'm sure the film will live up to the hype. The screenplay is going to make an impact. Gautham Menon is one of my favourite directors. With him, everything is natural. He just lets you be.”
The feisty star who has been lucky to play well-nuanced roles in a slew of pot-boilers without getting segued into the woodwork like most heroines, says: “My role of Jessy in VTV has many intricacies to it. She's a very opinionated, strong-headed girl hailing from a conventional Malayali Christian background. It's a role I enjoyed to the full.”
Besides VTV , Trisha is thrilled about her upcoming Bollywood release Khatta Meeta with Khiladi-turned-crown-prince-of-cool Akshay Kumar. “It's nice to do a Priyadarshan film after a long time. It's a good script that'll tick with the audience. We are through with the talkie part. Work on the songs is in progress. I think they are looking at a summer release. Akshay is a no-airs person. Being the producer as well, he goes all out to ensure that his crew is comfortable. A stickler for time, he used to be on the sets at 8.50 a.m. for a 9 a.m. shoot! So, all the talk about Bollywood standard time, I guess, is just a myth.”
About her fluency in Hindi, she gushes: “I speak the language fairly well.” But, it's Priyan's call whether he wants me to dub for the film or not.”
Gung-ho about her Mumbai sojourn, she says: “It's a great city with a lot of energy. It's my favourite place after Chennai. I enjoy a good professional rapport with people. But that doesn't mean I'll pack up my bags, and leave.”
Also coming up is an Udayanidhi Stalin production, in which Trisha pairs with Kamal Haasan, and a Telugu film with Ravi Teja. “There are a lot of exciting things happening. But for now, I'd like to mention only these films. There's no hurry to sign on the dotted line. I'd like to carefully look at scripts and concentrate on a few films at a time. No one cares about number games anymore. There's space for every star or aspirant to find her own niche.”
From the way Trisha talks it's evident that she's come a long way from some of the bad choices in her career. “Post films such as Abhiyum Naanum that got me good critical acclaim, I'm looking at my roles closely,” says the smart star. “There's a positive signal emerging from Kollywood. Certain small films in which the film maker has simply followed his heart have rewritten box-office records. I think the audience has developed an appetite for such films.”
Not a stranger to gossip columns or the grim realities of showbiz, Trisha says with her signature smile: “The limelight is, as they say, very addictive. In the last few years, I've contemplated quitting many times. But over the years, I've learnt to deal with gossip. Recently, it was reported that I'm opening a huge hotel in Hyderabad for my dad. It's so weird. I really don't know the source for such stories. But stardom gives you such a high. You can afford to forget these lows!”
CHILL PILL
Set-hopping can leave you absolutely drained. So, I make it a point to take off twice annually to chill out with family or friends. Besides, I don't work all days of a month. I want work to move at a good pace, not a frenetic one.
MOM AND I
My mother is the biggest source of strength and support — both personally and professionally. Thankfully, we share the same wavelength. I'm basically a lazy person, she's the one who has encouraged me to come this far in my career.
FOREVER FRIENDS
I've got a good group of trustworthy friends from the film circle as well as from outside. They are my best critics. They can be brutally honest. It takes them just five seconds to put down my film, if they don't like it. And, I appreciate that.
LOOKS THAT LAST
I think it's because of my genes. I don't do anything special to retain my shape or looks. I'm not into diets or rigorous workouts. I live life to the full. A light heart makes for an easy life!
