Sunday, June 21, 2009

Trisha signs three-film contract with Akki

Trisha has not one, but three good reasons to be excited. The pretty actress will debut in a Hindi movie (Khatta Meetha) starring Akshay Kumar, which is being directed by Priyadarshan. In a literal coup of sorts, Trisha has been signed up for three films under Akki’s banner Hari Om Productions, without any restrictions on her taking up other films. Trisha was in Chennai for a day before leaving to Australia for Gopichand’s Sankam. She spoke to DC in an exclusive interview.

* Wasn’t Priyan supposed to launch you in Bollywood a few years ago?
There have been a couple of offers from Bollywood. Priyan sir has been talking to me about my launch in Hindi. But he advised me to wait for a script that had a significant scope for my role. He was also busy making films with multiple stars, with more than one heroine. He felt Khatta Meetha would be the right launch pad for me. It has a single leading lady and the role is as important as that of the hero. I have committed 60 days at a stretch in October and November this year and they plan to finish the movie within three months.

* How did Akshay select you?
Akshay was looking for a fresh face for this movie. When Priyan suggested my name, he got interested and watched few of my Telugu and Tamil films. One day I got a call from him and he said that although he hadn’t met me or screen tested me, he was happy with my work and that he had faith in Priyadarshan’s advice. He also said that being Priyan’s discovery, he imagined I would play my role with ease. We spoke a few times over the telephone. I guess he’s keen to repeat the success of his earlier two productions — Singh is King and Namaste London, which will give him a hatrick.

* Did the opportunity mean compromising on your remuneration?
Anyone would be delighted if she was offered a lead role with a star like Akshay. It’s only natural that I am excited about the opportunity, but there is no compromise on remuneration. Priyan is not a ‘bargaining director’, and he knows where I stand today.

* In Hindi cinema, size-zero and glamour are all important. How are you preparing yourself for the role?
I have maintained my figure reasonably well, so far. I’ll need to tone up some more. Looking glamourous should not be viewed as something demeaning, as is often portrayed. A good performance combined with glamour is a powerful proposition. On the language front, I have learnt some Hindi and can understand and converse in it, to some extent. If required, I will dub my own voice.

* Are you sporting a new look in Khatta….?
It’s premature to talk about it right now, since I haven’t yet discussed the story with Priyan. He’s in Dubai now. Once we’re back, we’ll discuss my look for the film, and the costume designs. I was told the designer will be the same person who works with Akki.

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