Just a couple of weeks back, people had been writing you off as an 'unlucky', and then " Gabbar Singh" changed everything. Director Harish Shankar is now calling you the Golden Girl. Your comments... I am happy and enjoying the success. Having said that, whatever films I have done till now are very good and I am proud of the characters I played, be it my role in "Oh My Friend", "3" or "Seventh Sense" - they are all strong and independent characters.
You had been through a rough patch in your career. What kept you going? I have already seen failures and success at my home with my father. For me, every film is an experience, I do not categorise it as 'good' and 'bad'. I give my 100 per cent to a film, but the final outcome is not in my hands.
"Gabbar Singh" is a remake of the Hindi film "Dabangg". Were you wary of reprising Sonakshi Sinha's role in the remake? I had seen the Hindi film and I liked it. For the Telugu version, director Harish made some important changes to get the local flavour. For the first time in my filmi career, I played a village belle, Bhagyalakshmi - who is completely different from all the characters that I have played till now in Tamil and Telugu.
Pawan Kalyan is one of the top stars in T-wood, how was it working with him? I know Pawan is a big star here and I was a little nervous. But he is such a down-to-earth person and he has been very supportive and kept encouraging me. What were your dad's comments on the film? He is out of the country, busy shooting for "Viswaroopam". He is happy with the response the film generated.
Do you consult your mom Sarika and dad Kamal before signing a film? I usually listen to the scripts and take a call myself. In case I need advice, I do call up my mom or dad and they are always there for me. Being the daughter of Sarika and Kamal makes me feel more responsible. I have to meet the expectations of the audience as I come from a family which is known for its creativity in cinema, music and art. I am still learning and there's a lot to do. I will keep focusing on good films and good roles.