Why age is discussed for Indian actresses: Shriya

Those of you who have heard Mohan Babu's ovation for Shriya Saran's performance in 'Gayatri' (Feb 9th release), you can't but wait to watch her. When asked about her role in the drama, she says, "I will be seen as a villager in the movie. She speaks her mind and likes to read. She is honest and innocent at once. My character and director Madan's narration pulled me toward the project."

Films like 'Gopala Gopala, 'Drishyam' and  'Gautamiputra Satakarni' make Shriya a special actress in her 30s. But as far as she is concerned, age doesn't matter. "In Hollywood, actresses are not asked about how they have survived in the industry for many years. Such questions are asked only here. Why?" she demands to know.

She is glad that writers/directors have always offered her meaty roles from time to time.

"I am doing interesting roles in 'Veera Bhoga Vasantha Rayalu' (as a police officer) and in the Tamil movie 'Naragasooran'.  I am working with young director who is in his 20s. I am next going to work with debutante director Sujana. There was a time when I did films that gave me five songs and twenty-five scenes and yet, when I look back, I don't feel great about them," she says with frankness.

While she is happy to have done 90 films thus far, Shriya feels that the industry needs more and more women technicians. "I have worked with lady directors only twice," she adds.