Chat with Rupa Manjari

With her untamed hair that lends a 'just out of bath' fresh look and a wide grin, Rupa Manjari, is the new actor on the block. This Tamilian girl from Bangalore, who graduated in Mass Communication, made a mark with her debut film, 'Thiru thiru thuru thuru'. As the punctual and organized Archana, she is the antithesis to her colleague Arjun, played by Ajmal. Rupa talks to Mythily Ramachandran on her fascination for films.

Did you always want to join films?

Yes, it was a childhood dream. I was always enamoured by the glamour, the dream sequences and the costumes. It made me wonder-eyed. I am a movie buff. I often watched films with my family. But they had no clue about my dreams. I first expressed it to my friends who were supportive. After my graduation, I spoke about it to my family. Initially it was difficult to convince them since no one from my family has been in films. My uncle, Jeeva, assistant to K.S. Ravikumar, supported me. He felt I had talent.

How did 'Thiru thiru thuru thuru' happen?

Before this film, I did get some offers to act, but I did not want to act just for money or fame. I wanted to do meaningful roles especially on my debut. I went for the auditions and found myself in the film.

Is your hairstyle always like this?

Yes, even for the auditions I walked in just like that.

How was this first experience?

Initially I was a bit scared sharing screen space with Ajmal who is a couple of films old. But Nandhini understood my anxieties as a newcomer. She put me at ease and gave me moral strength. She is a good guide and a patient teacher. She brought out the best in me. I am lucky. Keeping me going also was my passion for films and my belief in my abilities. Despite initial hiccups, I felt, 'Yes, I can do it'.

Any difficult moments while shooting?

On the first day of shooting, I developed a rash on my face. The make-up would not stick on. It was an anxious moment. Besides, facing the camera for the first time, I had to concentrate on my lines and even handle a baby. Darshu would cry. So when not shooting, I made efforts to know him. I first learnt to hold him right.

And during the shooting of the song sequence on a tree house in Ooty, it was a misty day during the monsoons. We were shivering in our costumes, yet we had to complete the scene that day. To be romantic under these conditions called for several retakes. But the effort finally paid off.

Are you anything like Archana of T4?

Yes, an obsessive cleanliness freak and very organized. I am bubbly too but not hyper like her.

The film has been received well right?

Yes, not only in cities but also in small towns like Coimbatore, Madurai and Vellore. Kids walked up to me saying 'Akka you were good'. There were calls too including one from Muscat and Dubai. On the first day of the show we sat among the audience. We were surprised when a north Indian family hugged Ajmal and congratulated Nandhini. Comedy cuts across barriers of languages, you see. The film is clean entertainment and caters to all age groups.

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Thiru Thiru Thuru Thuru