I can play urban characters as well: Manochitra

Chennai, April 29 (IANS) Southern actress Manochitra is making a come-back after two years in a new avatar and says she gave herself a makeover to convince fillmakers that she can play urban characters too.

A Tamilian from Kancheepuram, Manochitra, who rose to fame with her performance in debut Tamil drama "Aval Peyar Thamizharasi", is keen to essay city-based characters.

"Ever since I played a village belle in my debut, I have been only getting such offers and I declined most of them. I even decided to quit movies at one point because I was only looked at as someone capable of playing only rural characters," said the actress, fondly called Mano.

"I have returned to acting after two years' break. I lost 13 kg and look presentable to convince that I can play urban characters as well. Thankfully, I play a city-bred character in my upcoming films, including the film with Ajith Kumar sir," she added.

Impressed with Ajith's humbleness, she says while shooting for yet-to-be-titled Tamil action-drama with him, she felt she was working with a family member.

"I shot for 10 days with Ajith sir and rest of the crew. Since I was cast opposite a star, I was extremely nervous. But, everything changed after he started treating me as a family member. He was polite, humble and very down to earth," Mano told IANS.

"I believe it's very important to feel comfortable around your co-star and comfort comes only when the effort is taken by co-stars. It was just a matter of time before I started feeling extremely comfortable on the sets of the film," she added.

She is not paired opposite Ajith in the film, but shares a few scenes with him.

"I play one of the character roles with good screen space with Ajith sir. I have no issues playing a character role because working in the film will definitely boost my career," added the actress who is awaiting the release of her second Tamil movie "Netru Indru".

She has also forayed into Malayalam movies with "Pianist", a musical love story.

"I play a singer in it and I'm making efforts to get the mannerism of a singer right because it's a very challenging role," she said.

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Aval Peyar Thamizharasi