Controversies are normal for a heroine, says Anjali

Monday, January 11, 2016 - 13:45

Anjali is known for her chubby looks. But this Telugu girl has gone for complete makeover, she is looking younger and fitter. What is the secret? Why and how did Anjali lose weight and what are her expectations from Dictator, her next release. Small chitchat with Anjali.

How was it working with such a senior actor like Balakrishna?

I had a great time working with him for Dictator. Since he was such a big star and a very senior actor, I was under tension in front of him in the initial days. Also many people told me that he is very serious and disciplined actor and warned me to be careful. Despite being such a big hero, he is very jovial and friendly person. He is a sweet person. He gives space to co-stars, be it heroine or other actors.

One thing that you have learnt from him?

Discipline and punctuality are the things that I have learned from him during the shoot. He always comes to the sets on the right time.

Was it tough dancing with Balakrishna?

The first day I joined the movie's sets, the director filmed a song. It was in Bulgaria and I had so many apprehensions whether Balakrishna garu would give me time for practicing dance steps, or would he permit  me for second or third take but he made me comfortable on the very first day. As everyone knows he has high energy levels, hope I matched to his.

Tell us about your role!

I can't reveal about my character much at this moment but I can say that I got better role with substance in a commercial movie. A livelier and younger girl’s role.

You seem to have lost weight for this movie!

Yes, after I signed the film, I took diet plan to look younger. I lost 5.5 kgs. I have to be very lean as per the story's demand.

You were offered Balakrishna's "Legend" and "Lion" as well but you didn't do. Why?

Even today director Boyapati garu scolds me for missing Legend. I was offered Radhika's role but I couldn't not do it due to lack of dates. Same was the case with "Lion". I am glad finally I did this movie.

Your other movie Chitrangada is getting delayed. Why?

The shoot has been completed. We planned to release it on Christmas but with so many movies hitting the theatres we have decided to wait for right time. That is the reason for the delay.

Many controversies surrounded you earlier. Now you are in the news mostly with the movies.

Ha...Ha. I was never in controversies but was dragged into them due to some issues in my personal life. Every girl will have some issues. For a heroine, controversies and rumors are normal. People also married me to various persons. But that is okay as heroines have to live with such gossips.

Any new Telugu movies?

At present, I am doing a Tamil movie with Mammootty and another movie in Malayalam but in Telugu I haven't signed yet. But two are in the pipeline, though.

Heard that you are playing the role of transgender in a Tamil movie?

I want to clarify that they are rumors. I am playing normal woman role in that movie.

Were you disappointed with Sankarabharanam?
No, actually I was praised for my role. In all the reviews, the critics praised my work. That is more important to me. I did the movie because Kona garu offered me the role of Lady Don. I don't know if I would get a chance again to play such character. So I am happy.

Are you doing item songs?
I am doing a special song in Allu Arjun's Sarainodu. 
 
So are you settled in Hyderabad now?
Yes. I am based in Hyderabad now. 
 
Which movie is the turning point in your career?
Seetamma Vakitlo Sirimalle Chettu. It was milestone in my career.

by L Venu Gopal