Tamaannah: My absence in South gives other actors films

In an exclusive rendezvous, Tammannaah Bhatia talks to the Hans India about her South/Hindi films, balancing both, on her strong roles down South, cat fights, money matters et. al.

Tammannah Bhatia a Southern siren entered Bollywood with her debut film Himmatwalla, a remake of the 80s hit by the same name. The actor is happily balancing her acting career in Tamil, Telugu and now Hindi films too.

My short journey in Hindi fims: Yes! Having debuted with director Sajid Nadiadwalla in Himmatwala and now working with him for Humshakals, I share a great rapport with him. I felt really very comfortable working with Sajid as our journey had become somewhat the same. As Himmatwala did not do well, our journey in this zone was sort of similar. I think Himmatwala had flopped. We wanted to get out of that mould. Indeed, we wanted to do something different which people would like. Himmatwala was based in the 80s’ and was an age-old flick. I was also compared with Sridevi in the film. However, in Humshakals there is no comparisons this time for me. Debacle of any film will not stop me from working in films.

On getting another offer from Sajid: No sooner did Sajid come up with Humshakals, he offered me a role in this flick. I was more than happy to take up the film. Undeniably, as an actor I was getting to do a different role with the same director, this thought was exhilarating for me. I was like surprised how the same man as a director could perceive me in a different character. In this he wanted me to play the cool VJ named Shanaiya.

Role remains a suspense: Well, if there are three Saif Ali Khans, 3 Reiteshs, and 3 Ram Kapoors…then you may expect three Tamannaahs too. Sajid, helped me a lot in the film. You will see a female version of Sajid in me.

Clearing the air on role controversy: Sajid is very straight-forward guy. He calls you …signs you up for a character and informs you as to what your role is, how many songs you will be needed in etc. He is very clear in what exactly we as actors have to do. He will not say something and make you do smoothing else. He is a man who keeps up the promises he made. I think the reported flowery language suits only in the Print Media. All that I presume are not facts.

Cat fights: Usually, with so many heroines around everyone was expecting Cat fights. But to tell you the truth, Bipasha, Esha and I enjoyed doing the film together. I remember one particular day, I was feeling very low because of the shooting pressures and exhausation. But Esha pepped me so much that I could relate positively with all the ambiences on the sets. All of us got along so well. There was not a slightest scope for any cat fights at all. I really owe one for the sweet touch and friendly gesture from Esha. She literally cheered me up on the sets and now we are good friends.

South cinema: I am glad to have started acting from my early childhood days. I did not do it merely for money. But acting was something I always wanted to do. Now, I feel lucky to have chosen a profession of my choice. Having said that, I do not say money does not keep me going but yes! Working in Hindi film industry with Vashu Bhagnaniji [Producer] I have had no money hassles at all. I am happy with whatever I have received.

Comparing South with North: I am doing strong roles in the Southern film industry. I have done almost 38 films till date. Having started by innings in Bollywood, I feel nice that I got to work for two different characters. While I am working here all my contemporaries down South are happy so they get to work in my absence.

Juggling South/Hindi films: I would prefer doing a balancing act while working down South and in Hindi films. I am going through a phase in my career, where directors choose me for their characters. Movies are choosing me more than me choosing them.People will also not typecast me if I experiment with different roles. But I will remain the same as a person.

Baahubali: I have just signed Baahubali. It is a period film. I cannot reveal much about this film. I will act opposite Prabhas.

Besides Riteish Deshmukh, actors Saif Ali Khan and Ram Kapoor will also be seen in triple roles in Humshakals. The movie produced by Bhagnani and directed by Sajid Khan is slated to release on June 20. The film also stars Bipasha Basu, Esha Gupta and Tammannah Bhatia in the female lead roles.