[ad_1]
From being a newsreader to now making headlines herself, Priya Bhavani Shankar has had an inspiring journey in Tamil cinema. As a reporter, she had the opportunity to interview Dhanush and a decade later, she stars opposite him in the upcoming film, Tiruchitrambalam. This change of fortune is not lost on her. “Some people like me for what I do, but I also know people who think I don’t deserve this success. It wasn’t the career I planned, but I’m doing my best and things are getting better.”
She sees her recent release, that of director Harry Yaanai, as one such effort. Having worked with many debutants and young directors, Priya is now getting a chance to work with veterans like Hari, Shankar (Indian 2) and Radha Mohan (Bomay). “It’s a little scary. Other actors might get the freedom to appear in ‘small’ characters in big films, but for some reason audiences seem to take it personally when I play such roles. However, I realized the importance of being a part of big-ticket films. Also, the roles in these projects were impactful and, more importantly, they respected me.” Looking back on her career, she has quite a few regrets. “I’ve turned down films that didn’t offer me strong roles, but to be honest, maybe they gave me more time to develop my career. I also remember die-hards thinking of ‘nobodies’ like me for their films. All I want today is to make myself more deserving and worthy.”
Priya constantly refers to her self-worth throughout the conversation. In fact, at one point she even calls herself a non-“traditionally desirable” actor. This does not come from a place of self-deprecation, but an understanding of the machinations of Tamil cinema. “I don’t have a guide in the industry. No one advised me on what projects to take on. Nobody told me not to turn down a big film. I have made my own mistakes and learned from them. Also, I know I’m not a very “wannabe” actor – and I’m also an outsider. All I can do is give my best to every project and make my collaborators believe in my talent,” says Priya, adding that while she may come off as cocky, it’s far from the truth. her personality. “A YouTube interview cannot be the yardstick by which to judge my personal character. I’m just doing my job honestly. from Meyada Maan to Yaanai, I became more professional. From the way I approach a project to my demeanor on set, every single aspect has changed.”
As she explains the changes in her approach, she touches on one of many realizations. “We all want our films to work. I thought it was all about the right producer, the right script and the right team… But then I noticed that some of my films weren’t getting the love they deserved. It all came down to the lack of promotions. Now I also understand the importance of timing the release,” says Priya, who has an impressive line-up of films, many of which are waiting for the right release window. “The delayed release is stressful for an actor like me who is highly dependent on my performance to speak. It’s both annoying and painful.”
Such candid admissions about her choices and mistakes make Priya Bhavani Shankar quite the enterprising person to interview. She is aware that self-confidence in the cinema brings its pitfalls. “Of course, this has affected film offers. Some insult me for even having thoughts of my own. “Nee nadikkarava dhaane, edhukku karuththu pesara?” (“You’re just an actor, why are you preaching?”). They want heroines to be pretty and sweet and good-natured, but they don’t like it when we’re well-read and knowledgable.” After a short pause, she continues: “Of course, the fame and love that a movie star gets is huge. So, in the bigger scheme of things, aspects like trolling and cyberbullying are par for the course, I guess. Gaining the trust of the public is one of my greatest achievements. If my career has advanced since Meyada Maan, it’s only because of their trust in me and I can’t afford to take that lightly. I am my only investment and hard work, honesty and goodwill are all I have to succeed.
[ad_2]
Source link