“I do not court controversy for fame”, model, VJ, actor, and recently-turned producer Sushama Reddy says categorically. She has taken her time, lived by her principles and worked steadily to achieve her goals.
Her face — fresh and youthful — has charmed viewers since the last decade. Today, Sushama, like many of her seasoned counterparts, has now reached a new phase in her career. “I had been toying with the idea of producing a film for some years. Finally, two years ago, my partner Sanjay Bhattacharjee and I set up our production company “Seven Island Studios Pvt. Ltd.”. “Dus Tola”, the first film I produced, was released in 2009. It was a test run.
“Now, I'm working on a major commercial Hindi film,” says Sushama, who graduated in film studies from NYFA (New York Film Academy). Now that Sushama “knows her onions” about producing, she prefers to lie low.
Producing is up her ally as it allows her to be in control of the entire film. “I've had an exceptional career growth as a model and TV anchor; I think I'll have a pretty good innings as a producer. The best part about being a producer is that I'm in control of everything. I am in the driver's seat. The challenge is that I play many roles and I also get to be creative. Producing gives you a holistic picture. But I hope to direct eventually,” Sushama smiles and says.
As for the current state of films, Sushama is clearly disillusioned. “These days cinema is about everything but the acting. What matters more than talent is which camp you belong to or about courting controversy. I've always felt out of my depth in playing games.”
But the complaints end there. She has also enjoyed being a part of the film industry. “It has its ups and downs, but I've enjoyed it for what it is,” she says. The modelling industry too has changed.
“There was a time when you could look at a model and recognise him or her. Now you can't tell one apart from the other! Models now turn to acting as a matter of course. Earlier, acting was something you'd consider, but that's not the case anymore.”
Sushama is satisfied that she has “come into her own”. “After a point, you stop thinking about what others' think. Salman Khan, for example, does his own thing. He's so sure and confident.”
