“Such a great star asked me permission to fall on my feet” – Actress Sheela Rajkumar
After playing a key role in “Azhagiya Thamizh Magal”, Sheela Rajkumar won the hearts of the audience. The actress prior to her small screen debut, played a crucial role in the movie ‘Tolet’ that was screened at many international film festivals and bagged several awards. After its theatrical release, the actress was widely acclaimed for her performance. She then decided to concentrate more on big screen. She has also been a part of Fahadh Faasil’s “Kumbalangi Nights”, which has bagged the Kerala state awards. The actress who was last seen in Draupathi in a chat reveals how joyous she is with plenty of quality films. Her clarity of thoughts is simply appealing.
‘I am Happy that my Malayalam venture “Kumbalangi Nights” won Kerala State award. Overwhelmed to have been part of it. I am currently acting in six films now. Two films should have been released during lockdown. Four other ventures are in different stages of production. In “Mandela” produced by Y Not Studios and Balaji Mohan, I played opposite Yogi Babu. Also, I am acting in Shankar’s assistant Raja Shankar’s directorial Vanjai, which is a crime thriller.
She further added, “Indian 2 costume designer Sai is producing a horror movie in which I play the leading lady. It is a bilingual being made in Tamil and Telugu. Shooting will resume soon. Since all my films are helmed by debutants, they are coming up with strong characters. I consider myself blessed to be part of such ventures. My fans tell me that I look like girl-next- door and I want my characters too to resemble the same.”
“Tolet helped me lay my foundation as actress. Watching the movie, actor Mohanlal’s manager wanted me to be part of “Kumbalangi Nights”, she adds. Many popular actress in Malayalam cinema were auditioned to act in the role. When the makers were not satisfied, I auditioned for the role and got selected on the same day,” continued the actress.
‘I just got few dialogues in the movie and my facial expressions had to do the rest. Actor Shoubin who acted in the film came up to me before a shot and did rehearsals for falling on my feet. It helped me give my best in the scene. I am not keen to play only heroine roles. I don’t want to get stereotyped. I love to act in commercial. There is definitely an urge to star in big ticket films. I am ready to be part of movies that have strong storylines. I want to quality films. I am happy to play Yogi Babu’s heroine in “Mandela. It is a different genre. People will see a wonderful actor in Yogi Babu. Though he may see himself as comedian, I find a hero in him. He will make you laugh, he will make you cry as well. I learnt a lot working with him. There are plenty of interesting things in the movie and I cant say more about it, she adds.
“This corona not only spelt doom on cinema, it has shaken the lives of all. For everyone, it was a challenge. Few things that we feared to try were attempted during corona. This lockdown facilitated me to try such attempts. Lets stay positive,” signs off the actress.
