Tamannaah – a new face to watch out for in Kollywood and Tollywood!

Tamannaah certainly did not have films in mind when she was in school. A good student, at school, she was in class nine when producer, Salim Akhtar noticed her in school. His children studied in the same school. Her debut film was 'Chand Sa Roshan Chehra' in That was in 2003.

Four years down the line, this 18-year old from Bombay who is eight films old is juggling between Kollywood and Tollywood. Says Tamannah, "I like watching films and enjoy theatre. But I never thought of it as a profession until it happened."

Her role in the Tamil film, 'Kedi' where she plays Priyanka, an arrogant rich girl got her noticed. But Balaji Shaktivel's 'Kalloori' won her appreciation bringing in offers.

"Balaji sir is a school by himself. There was this scene where I had to cry and I was finding it difficult. He sat me down and made me believe in the character who was emotionally weak and would need no reason at all to cry," she recalls.

Tamannaah is shooting for 'Ayan,' opposite Surya and directed by cinematographer K.V. Anand. "It is a dream come true," says this fan of Surya who enjoyed 'Gajini.' "Surya is a thorough professional. Watching Anand sir, I am understanding the technical aspects of film making. His attention to details and precise nature of working makes every frame beautiful," she says.

Her other films are 'Padikathavan,' in Tamil opposite Dhanush, and 'Ananda thandavam,' a Telegu film opposite Siddharth. Talking about Dhanush she says, "He is a chilled out guy, very normal and it feels comfortable working with him." "In 'Ananda thandavam,' I have done a huge experiment, my role is a different character," says Tamannaah.

So how does she switch over roles while working in different language films? "I follow the director and have this habit of writing down the characteristics of each role," she explains.

Tamannah was much appreciated for her role in the Telugu film, 'Happy Days.' Looking back she says, "I always saw magic on the screen while watching films. I experience the same magic while watching 'Happy Days.' It was a great pleasure and I feel good to be a part of good cinema.

Her biggest critic she says is her brother Anand, a student of medicine. "Anand watches my films dispassionately and is frank with his opinions," she says.

Tamannaah is doing her graduation through correspondence and hopes to take a break before her examinations to catch up with her studies.

Tamannaah Snippets:

Favourite film: Life is beautiful

Favourite actor/actress: Hrithik Roshan, Big B, Anil Kapoor and Madhuri Dixit.

Chills out: with friends at a movie hall, can watch seven films a day

Must have: her Ipod with her favourite songs of 'Jab We Met' and Jodha Akbar. Carries a portable DVD player to relax

Favourite books: The Harry Potter series

Favourite dress: Jeans and jackets

Click the Movie button below for more info:
Ayan