I was studying Visual Communication, when I won the Miss Chennai contest. I was sent to the Miss Petite International contest held in the U.S., in which 80 countries participated. I was adjudged Miss Photogenic. When I came back to Chennai, an article appeared in The Hindu about my trip to the U.S. Director Stanley who saw it asked me to come for a make-up test. I got selected to play the female lead opposite actor Dhanush in Pudhukottayilirundhu Saravanan.
How it felt
The shooting was held at various places in Malaysia, Singapore and other countries. It was fun working for the film and I enjoyed every moment of it. I saw the film on the first day of its release in Devi Paradise. I didn't have much of an idea about cinema or the star status of Dhanush then. But when I saw the applause he got when he appeared on the screen, I was astounded! Despite such a fan following, he made me feel very comfortable during the shoot. When my name appeared on the screen, my family members, particularly my mother BKK Pillai, were very happy.
How life changed
It did not change much. So far I have done six films in Tamil - besides Pudhukottayilirundhu, Mamu, Nenjil Jill Jill, ABCD, Kannukulle and Ezha Kanavugal - and one in Malayalam, December. I am right now doing a Tamil film in which I play a powerful role. And one of the highlights is my get-up.
