She was fresh out of school when she was signed up to play Anandhi in Ram's gritty Katradhu Tamizh . Her performance wowed critics, and Anjali decided to make a career out of acting. Vasanthabalan's gut-wrenching Angaadi Theru , where she played the playful yet responsible Kani, cemented her position as an actor. Now, the young actor is awaiting the release of two of her films — the big-budget Mankatha and M. Saravanan's Engeyum Epodhum , top-shot director A. R. Murugadoss' first production venture in association with Fox Studios. Then, there's the long-delayed Maharaja . Speaking of Mankatha she says, “I won't call my role in Mankatha a cameo… it's a nice character. And, though I entered the sets with a lot of nervousness, soon, it was like one big party. It was such a friendly atmosphere”.
As for Engeyum Epodhum , where she's cast opposite Jai, Anjali says she eagerly looks forward to the film. “It will change the way people perceive me.
I play a bold and boyish girl… very mature and silent. I am so talkative; it was painful to stay quiet… But, I guess silence lends rare depth to a character. It will bring out a new facet of me,” says the actor.
Murugadoss is known to be a diligent workmaster, and Anjali says that as producer he's done all he can to ensure its commercial success. “He's given it the same effort that has gone into his 7-aam Arivu . Dubbing is over, but we're still polishing it, setting right issues…”
The confident Anjali of today has been shaped by the dozen-odd films she's done over the past five years. “I was low on confidence during Katradhu Tamizh . I did not know how to romance the camera. I merely obeyed instructions. However, the appreciation that came my way helped me recognise that my future lay here. Now, I delve deep into a character and its nuances. After Angaadi Theru , I know I have something special to offer. It has propelled me to a different level…”
Has she ever regretted not stepping on the glamour bandwagon? “There are so many others who can do that. Good performers are rare. Luckily, I'm one of them. I would not trade this for anything. As for letting go of big budget movies where I'd have to play the typical heroine, all I say is that I'd like to significantly contribute to a film. My presence should have a purpose,” says the actor who uses her emotive eyes to great effect. “I've seen newcomers go up like rockets and fizzle out soon after just because they did not have the skills needed to back up the glam factor,” she elaborates.
Though her entry into the industry was a breeze, Anjali says the competition is intense — “You have to be good to survive.” Proof that she's good lies in the many awards that line the shelves in her home. She was even tipped to bag the National Award for Angaadi Theru . “Merely doing the film was a reward. I loved everything about it. Though I'm neither from a village nor a salesgirl, I felt an instinctive connect with Kani's character. She lingers in my consciousness. Even now, I can rattle off all my dialogues,” says the girl from Rajahmundry who dubs her own lines.
As for her future dreams, the actor, who has essayed roles in all four South Indian languages, says, “People think I am the girl-next-door, and have given me a wonderful place in their hearts. I'd like to hold on to it as long as I can.”
Published - August 27, 2011 04:05 pm IST
