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Sneha: I am doing a film with Rajnikanth
It's pretty easy for actress Sneha to juggle between Telugu and Tamil with ease. In Telugu, she's been doing period films (Sri Ramadasu, Pandurangadu) and also films in which she has strong roles (Madhumasam, Radhagopalam).
After Sri Ramadasu and Pandurangadu, she acts in the semi-period film Rajanna, which is part history and part fiction.
Sneha has a short role in the film but leaves her mark on it nevertheless. In a chat with Radhika Rajamani, she talks about the experience of acting in Rajanna and her future projects.
Rajanna is a part-period film. How did the film come to you?
I have always been a part of good films and waited for good projects. Supriya called and said this film was based on a little girl and Nagarjuna was acting in it. She said it was a short role, but why wouldn't I work even if it was a short role?
'I'm a huge fan of Nagarjuna'
Were you aware that the film was inspired by historical events and characters even though it was partly fictionalised?
Yes, I was told it was about a freedom fighter. No one knows much about him. I was told it was a true story and fiction and reality were combined in the film.
It's something new, something that I feel satisfied about, like what I felt with Autograph. That film was a huge hit and I was thrilled with my character which everyone raved about.
From the beginning, I have been interested in strong roles rather than chasing around trees, though I have done that too! I liked my roles in Madhumasam and Sri Ramadasu.
What was it like acting with Nagarjuna with whom you had acted in Sri Ramadasu?
I'm a huge fan of Nagarjuna. While doing Sri Ramadasu, one wondered if he could do a film like Rajanna because of his image. But on the sets of Rajanna, I saw a new Nagarjuna. From the clippings and trailer, I see he has the best look.
I have always liked working with big stars like Nagarjuna and Balakrishna. They make me feel comfortable. One is not uneasy and you can put in 100 per cent.'I have always liked working with big stars'
Did you base your role in Rajanna on what the director said or did you do your own reading?
I'm a director's star, and not a method actress. I am not into browsing and working on the role. I keep myself free and do whatever the director tells me.
What sort of experience did you have doing such a film?
I worked hard for this film. The first six days were the toughest. I had to run without footwear in temperatures of 42 degrees. There was no caravan. We had to walk for three miles. My skin got tanned. On the third day, the horse which was running with me collapsed and everyone shouted 'cut' suddenly.
It was tough. When it comes to emotions, Vijayendra Prasad garu would say, 30%-20% up and down in a scene. So getting that was tough. Working without make-up is also difficult as the skin goes for a toss. So there is a practical problem there.
'Telugu audience likes emotions'
How was it shooting on the sets then?
On the sets, too, it was tough. In Ramoji Film City, we thought the weather would be good but it was hot and humid. We managed for three days. Today, when people see the film and appreciate it or we see the good reviews, all that doesn't matter any more!
As an actor do you find it challenging to do period films?
I like working in them. I have done quite a few period films, and people have this image about me that I do these kinds of films. I want to change that image. I want to be homely and not glamorous.
What do you think has made Rajanna click?
The Telugu audience likes emotions. The performances have added up. Annie has done well. The story and screenplay, the musical treat (by Keeravani) and Nagarjuna have added up to making it a hit.
'I am not a method actress'
How do you juggle Tamil and Telugu films?
I find it healthy. It makes me feel good doing languages. I jump into four different industries. It's not easy for a male actor to do that. I love doing Telugu and Tamil films.
What are your future projects?
I will be doing a film with Rajni Sir which we start shooting in January. I am also doing an untitled film which has another strong role for me, to be directed by Rajan. There's no Telugu film as of now.
And what's life like now for you?
Life is busy. It's nice to be busy and doing films back to back. I'm shooting with Sarath Kumar for the Tamil film Vidiyal currently.