She has had a dream start to the year, with two hits in Kerala ( Jomonte Suvisheshangal and Sakhavu ). Next up is Gautham Menon’s Dhruva Natchathiram and Vetrimaaran’s Vada Chennai . Aishwarya Rajesh sounds understandably pleased as she talks to us over the phone. Excerpts from a short interview:
Did you expect such a response from the Malayalam-speaking audiences?
It’s been great that I got to start my work alongside two very popular heroes — Dulquer Salmaan and Nivin Pauly. I signed Sakhavu first but Jomonte Suvisheshangal was the first to release. While signing Sakhavu , I wasn’t aware of the depth of communism in Kerala. I was born and brought up in Chennai, and our political ideologies are very different. It’s great to see the Malayali audience connecting with Sakhavu, especially with its many powerful dialogues.
Was there any hesitation from your side to play the older character?
Not at all. I always do what the character demands and I love to experiment with my looks. But getting ready to play a 60-year-old woman tends to get difficult mentally, because you invariably start to act your age. I shot with special make-up for about 15 days, with tired eyes, stooped shoulders and a lethargic way of talking.
How was it to work with Dulquer Salmaan and Nivin Pauly, both youth icons?
Nivin is someone who doesn’t mind taking up back-to-back shooting schedules, despite being a star. He’s been very intelligent in choosing the right scripts. Dulquer never behaves like a star kid and comes across as a very normal guy. One may have a different perception of him from the outside, but he has absolutely no starry airs. He told me that it was Mammootty sir who recommended me. I was supposed to do Mammootty’s White , but it didn’t work out.
Coming to your Tamil films, the last year seemed like a mixed bag for you...
It’s been a mix of critically-acclaimed and commercially-safe films. I don’t see anything wrong with my films in 2016, except maybe Kadalai and Parandhu Sella Vaa . I did do a lot of different roles. Mo didn’t have a proper release and promotions. It has since become popular in meme pages and I don’t see it as a flop. Kattappava Kaanom , earlier this year, suffered from a very crowded release time; but that’s how Tamil cinema is nowadays.
You’re the heroine in the next Gautham Menon film, with Vikram. How does that feel?
Gautham sir’s dialogues require some getting used to. His style of dialogue delivery was a bit complicated to adapt to. At times, one forgets that the shoot is actually taking place because it feels like a test shoot or an audition. I’ll be joining the team again in June for about 20 days. The role offers me a lot of scope to perform, and I feel lucky to act under Gautham sir.
And, Vikram?
Vikram sir is very encouraging... you feel an energy boost when you see him. Being a top hero, he could have easily opted for bigger heroines, but he insisted that someone like me be a part of the film. He keeps giving valuable suggestions and retains that childlike enthusiasm.
You’re also making your Bollywood entry ...
Yes. In Daddy (directed by Ashim Ahluwalia), my character arc spreads over almost 40 years. I’ve used prosthetic make-up with the guidance of an Italian make-up artiste. I feel very confident and empowered before the camera, after working with Arjun Rampal. For some scenes, I took up to 25 takes, but the team never lost its cool. For an upcoming actress who can’t speak Hindi, it can be an unforgettable experience to act in a Hindi film. Thirty days of promotions lie ahead.
