'Pushpaka Vimanam' will be released in theatres on November 12. The film stars Anand Deverakonda in the lead. In this interview, budding actress Saanve Megghana talks about her character, working under Vijay Deverakonda's production, her future projects, and more.
I was born and brought up in Hyderabad. My paternal grandfather hails from Nalgonda. I studied at St. Francis College in Hyderabad. I was doing graduation and anchor Ravi's show was being shot one fine day. I went to the spot out of curiosity. We were made to help the unit and also do some acting. The director on set felt that I have it in me to do acting. I told him that I can dance but am not inclined towards acting. My parents, too, were not inclined. One fine day, I got a call from a TV channel for a lead role in a soap. I didn't show interest. I was hardly 17.
Some days later, my mother received a call from yesteryear actress Jayasudha garu. I was pleasantly surprised. The actress had seen my pics on Facebook. She invited me for a small audition at her place. I went along with my family and met with Jayasudha garu. It felt like meeting a legend. I auditioned for a sitcom produced by her, who felt that I should play a tomboyish Telangana girl. Jayasudha garu roped me in saying that she would train me for the character. I shot for a couple of episodes but the show was shelved after the demise of her husband.
I did a film in 2018 but it was a small project that is not known to most. It was a good experience because I learned how to face the camera. I auditioned for the role of Tamannaah's sister for 'Sye Raa'. Director Surender Reddy roped me in without taking much time. I was given special treatment, as the director felt that I have the potential to go far. I was 18 at that time.
Then followed the web anthology 'Pitta Kathalu', which was a Netflix project. I learned that my favourite director Tharun Bhascker was looking for a relatively new face. I gave it a try with low expectations. I knew that hundreds must be trying to land the role. My mother encouraged me to give it a try anyway. I went to the Suresh Productions office and auditioned for a very small role. I ended up bagging a lead role.
I later auditioned for 'Pushpaka Vimanam' upon a call from director Damodara. I have played a short film actor in the movie. She is educated, urbane, and modern. Every character has its own place in the story. Women don't often get such roles in our movies. I have played a beautiful role, a character that enters the screen when she is most needed.
I am totally satisfied with the output. After watching the final cut, I couldn't sleep that night. My role has come out so beautifully. Since the movie is a comedy thriller, you won't find regular scenes. The emotions portrayed in it are rare. The first half is majorly a comedy. Even in serious situations, the likes of Sunil garu and Naresh garu are going to make you laugh.
Anand Deverakonda is a brilliant actor. When I saw the rushes for the first time, I was amazed. He is a responsible actor and behaves well on set. He also gives instructions about continuity and all.
I have played a bubbly role. At the same time, she is fearless and a bit dramatic. The duration of my character is decent.
The title is metaphorical. Our film has nothing to do with Kamal Haasan's movie of the same name.
I recently did a small role in 'Most Eligible Bachelor'. When 'Bommarillu' Baskar wrote the character, the girl was not a Telanganite. He asked me to speak in my own way on set. For 'Pitta Kathalu', I worked on the Warangal slang from my domestic help at home. After the anthology, I received a number of offers on similar lines. But I didn't accept them because I wanted to wait till 'Pushpaka Vimanam' comes out in theatres.
Producer Vijay Deverakonda is encouraging newcomers as someone who has come without a background. It's a great quality. He is relatively new but is doing a great job as a producer. He doesn't want others to go through what he had to.
I have been listening to scripts but haven't signed up for anything yet. I have no specific dream roles but I really want to do a love story.
