Of script and saleability

Actor Dhansika talks to Subha J Rao about working with National Award-winning directors and her desi act in Paradesi

She’s just four films old, but Dhansika seems to have made a name as a performing actor. She’s worked with three National Award-winning directors (S.P. Jananathan in Peraanmai and Vasanthabalan in Aravaan ) and is awaiting the release of Paradesi , with the much-feted Bala.

There was the mass entertainer Maanja Velu and the forgettable Nill Gavani Sellathey , but she redeemed herself with the period film Aravaan , where she played the beautiful woman of steel, Vanapechi. Her look in Paradesi , also set in the past, has come in for appreciation.

Dhansika is excited about the project. “

Paradesi was a very different experience for me. It is a period film, but not in the same genre as

Aravaan . Working with Bala sir meant a lot. I’ve grown so much as an actor. Everyone knows he’s a great director, but he’s also a lovely person.”

Bala is known for giving his leads a distinctive look, and this film is no different. Dhansika, known for her prominent eyes and classical face, wears rags and sports a rustic, poverty-stricken look. But, the beauty manages to shine through. “You know, during the audition, Bala sir personally did my make-up to get the dark tone right. And, during shooting, he would think nothing of setting right my hair himself.”

Speak about career choices, Dhansika, an accidental actor, says she did not want a long break after Peraanmai and chose to do commercial films. “Then, I figured out I was happiest doing roles of substance. I decided to wait and choose. I’m all game for commercial cinema, provided it has a great script.”

For now, she’s content working on her roles and living up to the director’s vision. “I never imagined I’d be in the movies. As a student at Little Flower, Moulivakkam, all I wanted to do was study computer engineering. Now that I am here, I think it is vital to leave behind a good body of work; be remembered as an actor.”

The learning has continued in cinema, though. Dhansika is a city girl, but has worked hard to get into the character in both her period films. “I moved from Thanjavur to Chennai when I was eight, and have little recollection of village life. But, I listened, observed.”

The movies have also meant leaving behind friends and not being with family. “I lost my grandmother during the shooting of ‘Nila Nila’ (Aravaan). We had managed to get permission for shooting in Hampi after a long delay and she was unwell. I cried, but opted to shoot. As for friends, we have all moved on to lead our lives, I guess,” she says. “On the sets, I don’t even carry a phone. I like to stay focussed.”

Speaking about co-star Atharva, Dhansika says he’s the silent type. “We said hello to each other after ten days. During shooting, I realised how dedicated he was to his character.”

Dhansika has also signed up for director Meera Kadhiravan’s action-thriller Vizhithiru . “I’ve just finished the photo shoot. It’s a commercial film that has everything going for it.”

From the gawky, 5’7” teenager who got roped in to play the NCC cadet in Peraanmai , during a chance trip to the Chennai Trade Centre, to the self-assured actor of today, Dhansika has evolved. She’s also grown taller, having added half an inch to her frame. “I’m still growing!” she laughs.

But how accepting has the industry been of her height? “No complaints. I don’t think it matters so much. Also, technology ensures these things don’t really show up on screen. I’ve never felt my height is a minus. I celebrate it!”