Smitten by the showbiz

As a youngster acting was something Arthana Binu did in front of the mirror behind the closed doors of her room - she does that even now. A photograph of her on Facebook drew attention of rookie filmmaker Srinivas Gaavi Reddy.

“I wanted to become an actress from childhood. I used to imitate actors in front of the mirror (smiles). Extracurricular activities were my thing in school. And in plus 2, I was moonlighted as a TV host and later I got into modeling.

One of the casting agents saw my picture and approached me for ‘Seethamma Andalu Ramayya Sitraalu’. I auditioned and bagged the offer,” the petite actress recalls with a smile.

Arthana admits to being nervous before getting into showbiz. “Initially I was apprehensive that I might have to do intimate scenes (smiles), as I was not ready for them.

So I was in a fix whether to take up acting as a career at this stage. But after I was briefed about my part I jumped on board. I’m now enjoying acting,” she reveals.

Though she will be seen as a village belle in the film, she says she identified with her part. “I was studying graduation when I was cast for the film. So I could relate to the role of a teenager.

I play Sita, a traditional role, but with a modern mindset. It’s a sweet love story that also emphasises on family values,” says the Trivandrum-born and raised actress.

Working with Raj Tarun, observes she, was fun. “He’s a natural and can easily get into the skin of any character. He was very helpful. I have two or three close friends and I can include him in that list although we don’t talk to each other daily,” smiles the actress, who is currently pursuing her final year of BA Mass Communication.

Ask whether her friends were aware about her acting debut and she quips, “My friends came to know about it only after seeing the posters. Naturally, they were very excited. They know that this is where I want to be and they are happy for me.” Arthana also signed a Malayalam film in which she’ll be seen as a college-goer.