I'll do films at my own pace: Charmi

Hyderabad, May 25 (IANS) Telugu actress Charmi believes her performance in "Anukokunda Oka Roju" can change the course of her two-year-old career that is slowly picking up after a string of flops.

Charmi, who tasted success with "Mass", says she is equally excited about her next film with Balakrishna in which she plays a loud-mouthed village belle again.

Charmi has been swarmed with roles after "Mass" but is being choosy. She has picked just a few out of the 30 films that were offered.

"I never craved for the top slot, so I'll do films at my own pace," Charmi told IANS.

She will also undertake strenuous rehearsals to match steps with top dancers Prabhu Deva and Lawrence for the film "Style".

Excerpts:

After playing a glam girl, how was it donning a simple role in "Anukokunda Oka Roju"?

I enjoyed playing a middle-class college girl. I wore salwar-kameez and little make-up to fit into the character. Director Chandrashekhar insisted on realistic acting and I had to adjust a bit to deliver a subtle performance. The film has shaped out very well.

How was your experience with the "Aithe" team?

It was great to work with creative people like producer Gangaraju and director Chandrashekhar Yeleti. I immediately liked the concept that they explained to me while I was shooting for "Sri Anjaneyam". They trusted me and I hope I have lived up to their expectations.

Do you rue doing "Sri Anjaneyam" since you have been branded as fit for the role of a loud-mouthed village belle?

On the contrary, I was fortunate to be signed by director Krishna Vamsi for "Sri Anjaneyam". He moulded me into a capable actress. I got big offers like "Mass" and "Anukokunda..." while working under him.

I am happy with that strong village belle image since even my fans liked it. I repeated the act in "Chanti" and now I am doing it in Balakrishna's untitled film.

Though "Chakram" didn't fare well, I would love to work with Krishna Vamsi again.

You are playing the second fiddle to Katrina Kaif in Balakrishna's film. What's the challenge in it?

I am playing the second lead but my role has enough significance. I don't regret doing second-fiddle roles in all these big films since whatever I am today is due to these films. Given a choice I would prefer meaty second roles to insignificant lead roles.

After the flops, your career seems to be on the track now.

After a few flops, "Mass" changed my fortunes, thanks to Nagarjuna and Lawrence. I received more than 30 offers after its success. But I picked up just three films, including Balakrishna's project and "Style", since I want to be choosy. I never craved for the top slot so I'll do films at my own pace.

How would you describe your role in "Style"?

Coming to "Style", it would be a trend-setting movie. I will go for hectic rehearsals to match steps with ace dancers Prabhu Deva and Lawrence. Click the Movie button below for more info:
Anukokunda Oka Roju