ITSY BITSY

Hansika Motwani

Oozing charm

She has just celebrated her 20th birthday — that probably still accounts for her baby fat. “But,” says Hansika, “I have now managed to shed a few kilos, thanks to my workouts. I am pleasantly surprised at being likened to Kushboo. In fact, Kushboo ma'am called me up recently and complemented me on some of my recent films and the fact that I am being compared to her.” Hansika's Velayudham with Vijay and Oru Kal Oru Kannadi are expected to release soon. Meanwhile, the cherubic actor is busy with Telugu film assignments and getting tutored in Tamil for her forthcoming projects.

Success smiles

He has the distinction of having back-to-back hits — Paruthiveeran,

Paiyya and Siruthai . Now Karthi seems to have become the darling of the Telugu audiences with remakes of Aayirathil Oruvan , Paiyya and Naan Mahaan Alla doing well. In fact, Na Peru Siva ( Naan Mahaan Alla ) has made him a much sought after hero in Telugu cinema.

My brother Venkat

Being Gangai Amaren's son, Ilaiyaraja's nephew and surrounded by talented family members, Premgi has creativity in his genes. After singing, composing and writing, Premgi has finally found his calling as an actor. Now, a permanent fixture in his director-brother Venkat Prabhu's films, starting with

Goa , Premgi feels Venkat has been able to exploit his potential as an actor. He is keenly awaiting the release of Venkat Prabhu's next big film,

Mankatha . “My brother understands my strengths and weaknesses and gives me appropriate roles. I am in this profession to enjoy myself and not really for the money. Therefore, I have decided to give top priority to Venkat's films,” says Premgi, who will be seen in a negative role in

Mankatha . Premgi also hopes work on

2010 Bagyaraj , a film that was launched last year, would be resumed.

Tragic end

Many tourist destinations, especially hill stations and beach resorts have been witness to suicides by lovers. Sometimes cases of murder are also camouflaged as suicides. Director A. M Bhasker explores this facet of life and death in his forthcoming film Othigai . Jai Akash and Archana are the protagonists. “I have tried to show that a large number of such deaths are really not suicides, but crimes committed for different kinds of gains. There are organised gangs who stalk such couples who seek privacy and solitude in far away resorts. Othigai is a crime thriller,” says Bhasker.

Kerala calling?

His hails from Kerala, but it has taken Arya, a heart-throb of Tamil audiences, almost seven years to sign his first Malayalam film, Mumbai Police . “But the film has been shelved for now,” says the actor. Meanwhile, Arya is making waves in dual hero Tamil films such as Avan Ivan (with Vishal) and the forthcoming Vettai with Madhavan. Cashing in on his current popularity, producers of Kaadhal 2 Kalyanam and Oru Kal Oru Kannadi have roped in Arya to do guest appearances. “I have no apprehensions about sharing screen space with another hero. My confidence comes from directors who ensure that I do full justice to my role. As for not doing any Malayalam films, apart from a guest role in Santosh Sivan's Urumi , I have not had the time due to my commitments in Tamil cinema,” says the handsome actor.