With her untamed hair that lends a 'just out of bath' fresh look and a wide grin, Rupa Manjari, is the new actor on the block. This Tamilian girl from Bangalore, who graduated in Mass Communication, made a mark with her debut film, 'Thiru thiru thuru thuru'. As the punctual and organized Archana, she is the antithesis to her colleague Arjun, played by Ajmal. Rupa talks to Mythily Ramachandran on her fascination for films.

Did you always want to join films?

Yes, it was a childhood dream. I was always enamoured by the glamour, the dream sequences and the costumes. It made me wonder-eyed. I am a movie buff. I often watched films with my family. But they had no clue about my dreams. I first expressed it to my friends who were supportive. After my graduation, I spoke about it to my family. Initially it was difficult to convince them since no one from my family has been in films. My uncle, Jeeva, assistant to K.S. Ravikumar, supported me. He felt I had talent.

How did 'Thiru thiru thuru thuru' happen?

Before this film, I did get some offers to act, but I did not want to act just for money or fame. I wanted to do meaningful roles especially on my debut. I went for the auditions and found myself in the film.

Is your hairstyle always like this?

Yes, even for the auditions I walked in just like that.

How was this first experience?

Initially I was a bit scared sharing screen space with Ajmal who is a couple of films old. But Nandhini understood my anxieties as a newcomer. She put me at ease and gave me moral strength. She is a good guide and a patient teacher. She brought out the best in me. I am lucky. Keeping me going also was my passion for films and my belief in my abilities. Despite initial hiccups, I felt, 'Yes, I can do it'.