Don't think I can leave southern film world: Regina Cassandra

Mumbai, Aug 22 (IANS) Tamil-Telugu film actress Regina Cassandra, who will be making her Hindi movie debut with "Aankhen 2", says she will try to balance her career as she can't think of leaving the southern industry for Bollywood.

"I will definitely make time for both. I don't think I can leave the south industry for good... It's where I'm from. My roots are in the south. I might branch out into different places, but I'll always have my roots here," Regina said in an interview.

Regina was dazzled by the Bollywood stars at the muhurat of "Aankhen 2".

"It was an unforgettable experience. Being present among some of the stalwarts of the Hindi film industry isn't something we all get to be a part of everyday. I'm looking forward to my journey in Bollywood," she added.

Why did she choose Anees Bazmee's "Aankhen 2" as her Bollywood debut?

"Well, sometimes you don't choose.Your destiny has already been chosen for you. I did get a few offers in Hindi cinema before. Somehow it didn't feel right. Maybe the time was not right or maybe it was just me. I wasn't ready.

"'Aankhen 2' happened very organically. I was asked to come meet the team in Mumbai and in a days' time, things were sorted. You can say it just happened, much to my surprise," she said.

Why did she wait this long to make her Bollywood debut?

"I wasn't waiting for anything.I was always interested in acting. Be it theatre or ads. Acting is something I respect and take great pride in. I didn't think I'd make a foray in Telugu itself... So Bollywood wasn't something I was dreaming about as well."

Regina realises going pan-India is a leap ahead.

"I know it's something like a promotion for an actor who hails predominantly from Tamil Nadu to be placed in Bollywood because that would mean being positioned on a national level. I'm glad Bollywood has happened at this time in my life, because earlier, I don't think I was fully ready to take on what is being thrown at me now. I've evolved as an actor," she said.

She is grateful to Tamil and Telugu cinema.

"My south films have taught me well. I can now safely say I know my positives and my negative, what I can do and what I need to brush up on. Hence, I think the timing is perfect for my Bollywood debut," she added.

For now, Regina will next be seen on screen in the action thriller "Shankara", which is remake of the Tamil hit "Mouna Guru" and also the source for the Hindi film "Akira", starring Sonakshi Sinha.

"Shankara" is being released on August 26 -- a week ahead of Murugadoss's "Akira" -- to get into theatres first.

Excited about it, she said: "In 'Shankara', I play the hero's love interest. It's an offbeat film and it did really well in Tamil. I'm someone who has always loved thrillers and different stories."

About the same film being released in Hindi, Regina said: "I've heard it's being remade in Hindi as well with a few changes. Looking forward to the Hindi film as well."

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Aankhen 2