When Janani Iyer says that she’s “different from other Kollywood actors”, she isn’t referring to the skillset. She’s talking about how she operates.
For starters, she doesn’t have a manager, unlike most of the younger crop of actors. The only way to reach her is to call her directly. “I don’t believe in having a manager, because somewhere, I feel it might intrude into my selection of films. Also, I like doing things at my own pace,” says the actor, who was last seen in the Yogi Babu-starrer Dharmaprabhu that released a couple of days ago. Excerpts from a quick chat:
Because I did not have a single combination sequence with him! His portions take place in the heavens (Yogi Babu plays Yama), and mine is a small portion that takes place in real life. Initially, I was very sceptical about it, but Yogi Babu himself called and convinced me, saying that they were looking only for a Tamil-speaking actress and that it would be notable.
How much have your Tamil-speaking skills worked to your advantage in an industry that largely neglects local talent when it comes to heroines?
It is a huge advantage. I can completely understand my dialogues, and the context they are set in. I feel filmmakers should be more open to giving roles to Tamil-speaking heroines.
Which film of yours changed things around and made people sit up and take notice?
I had hoped it would be Avan Ivan (director Bala’s film), but it was Thegidi that did it for me. The response for the ‘Vinmeen’ song, especially, was overwhelming.
You did not grow up wanting to be in films, but once you did, what was your dream and how much of it have you achieved now?
Getting into Kollywood was an impulsive decision. The offer of Avan Ivan came from Bala sir’s office and I had to immediately decide if I was going to take it up or not. I decided to, and now, looking back at my filmography, I’m satisfied that I have not done any stupid films. I have no desire to become the number one Kollywood star; all I want is to star in films that bring me happiness.
Was being part of last season’s Bigg Boss a big turning point?
Well, it made me a household name. A few years ago, when I went to a village near Pollachi for a shoot, many people came up to me asking who I was and which film I had acted in. Recently, when I went there again, they all crowded and shouted out my name! Bigg Boss has done what many films couldn’t — it has made me popular even in the towns and villages. A show like this is actually not my cup of tea, but it is a once-in-a-lifetime kind of experience.
The new season of the show has just kickstarted. Any advice for the participants?
Just be yourself.
