The chirpy and bubbly girl-next-door, Charmi, has charmed her way into the Telugu audiences’ heart with her varied roles in films. The actress is perhaps one of the few new generation actresses who have worked in almost all the genres of films. With an every ready smile and a sunny countenance Charmi is the present toast of the industry after her new film MANTRA has managed to keep the cash registers ringing. Her latest film is with none other than artist and critically acclaimed director Bapu. The film, SUNDARAKANDA, is ready for release on 8th February. In a chat with Ragalahari, Charmi speaks about SUNDARAKANDA and much more.
Q: How did you respond to Mantra’s success?
A: Initially, after the film’s release, when my unit members told me about the film’s good response I thought that they were trying to make me happy. But after a week I saw the response and the film was declared a hit. Mantra had a very good opening and managed to pull in the young crowd. It appealed to people from all walks of life.
Q: Why did you decide to do this film?
A: After AOR, I was flooded with offers for women oriented films. But all of them had very dull portrayals of women and I wanted to do a women oriented film that had both performance and glamour. And that was why I agreed to Mantra. I did take some time before signing the film as both the producer and director were new. But after seeing their passion for film making I agreed. They planned very well and did a lot of home work before starting the project. I was very impressed. Though Mantra is a thriller the viewers are misguided into thinking that it is a horror film.
Q: Tell us about your character ‘Monkey lanti Pinky’ in Sundarakanda.
A: Pinky is a very innocent but naughty, smart and intelligent girl. She is very close to my real life personality. It was one character that I did from my heart.
Q: So how was it working with Bapu?
A: Bapu is the cutest person that I ever met. He is a great director and I shared a very good rapport with him. After working in Sundarakanda I am in love with him. You realize about Bapu’s greatness when you work with him.
Q: How did you manage his film? Most of his heroines are dusky beauties and the quessential Bapu Bomma.
A: I did not do anything to deliberately look like that. It was Bapu who molded me in such a manner. And I don’t know about the dusky looks. Bapu quite liked my complexion and color.
Q: What are your forthcoming films?
A: I will be working in director Nidhi Prasad’s Telugu film. Then there is the Tamil film, Laadam in the direction of Prabhu Solomon. After the release of Sundarakanda I will ok some projects that I am looking into right now.
