In conversation with Anuja Iyer

Chennai, July.17 (NR): Remember Sindhu of 'Mudhal mudhal mudhal varai?' She was the vivacious young urban woman who eggs her lover Hayagreeva into directing his debut movie in the film!

Well, Anuja Iyer who played Sindhu is no different in real life. Friendly and warm with her head firmly on her shoulders, it is a pleasure meeting her. A commerce graduate with a Masters in Mass Communication, Anuja worked in the ad world before films happened. She also modeled for Nalli Silks, RMKV and Fiama di Wills.

A trained bharatanatyam dancer and a classical singer too, Anuja's debut film was Sivi. But it was Krishnan Seshadri's 'M3V' that brought appreciation and a role in Unnai pol oruvan,' the bilingual remake of 'A Wednesday,' in Tamil and Telegu.

Anuja talks to Mythily Ramachandran.

How did M3V happen?

When Krishnan was looking for someone to play the role of Sindhu, Neela, who headed film production dept. at O&M, an ad agency based mentioned my name to him.

How was it working with Krishnan?

It was an amazing experience. I just had to be myself. Krishna believes in natural and spontaneous acting. He describes the scene just before the shoot and leaves it to the actors.

What about the role in Unnai pol oruvan?

It seems Kamal sir had enquired about me after watching M3V. I heard forty girls auditioned for the role. I didn't go for the auditions. I owe it to M3V. But I did not know about it till the end. Even during the costume measurements, I asked director Chakri if I was on. He said, 'There are two more girls. I am still debating.' I learnt about it only when I was told that my ticket to Hyderabad was booked. There was no formal announcement. It came as a pleasant shock.

What were the challenges of the role as a television reporter?

The biggest challenge was to speak in chaste Tamil.

You must have watched, 'A Wednesday.'

Yes, I have watched the film. But as one of the audience I could not appreciate the shots, which I could do later as an artiste. For this role, I did not want to be influenced by the Hindi film. I have tried to bring in my own style.

How was it working with director Chakri?

He is fantastic. I would get worked up, but he was calm and composed, encouraging me and bringing out the best of my potential.

Tell us about working with stalwarts such as Kamal Hasan and Mohan Lal.

I was in awe of Kamal sir, when I met him the first day on the sets. I was nervous while delivering my dialogues. He guided me with suggestions on how to improvise a scene, how to tone it down and make it subtle. Mohan Lal is fabulous. No starry airs and so casual. He pays attention to details and came up with tips on dialogue delivery and make –up. He is a natural before the camera. Working with them was a great learning experience.

What other films are you are working on?

I have a role in Milind Rao's 'Kadhal to kalyanam.' Arya's brother, Satya is being launched in this film. I play the hero's best friend. The film has senior actors like Mr. Mouli (the famous director) & Mrs. Jayshree (heroine of the 80's) Kasturi and a talented technical team. It was another learning experience under Milind, former assistant of Mani Ratnam.

Your family is not into films. So what was their reaction to your joining films?

Yes. We are a conventional and religious Iyer family. Initially my mom did have apprehensions about the film industry, whether I would be able to deal with the pressures. But I have been on my own while doing my graduation and Masters in Delhi and learnt to be independent and be responsible for myself. That convinced my mother. Someday I hope to go back to my family advertising agency, Moulis Advertising. Click the Movie button below for more info: