I play a bubbly girl next door in 'Kannamoochi…' – Sandhya

From the portals of school to the arc lights of celluloid was not something that Sandhya had in mind. But Destiny played her hand, when this school going girl was chosen for the lead role in the Tamil film, ‘Kadhal,’ opposite Bharat. This film brought to notice her acting abilities and offers poured in.

Today, Sandhya is six films old, with two state awards and a FilmFare award in a very short time in the industry. The first state award was for her debut film while the second one given this year was for ‘Dishyum,’ another Tamil film. The FilmFare award was for the Telugu film, ‘Annavaram.’ She is playing a lead role in the film, ‘Kannamoochi Enadaa,’ directed by Priya V. This film is to be released shortly.

Sandhya is a typical teenager, dressed in her capris and tees. She looks back on her films as she chats with Mythily Ramachandran.

How did ‘Kadhal’ happen?

Manoj Krishnan, currently my manager is a close family friend of ours. He does portfolios for actors and always insisted that I get mine done. It was he who showed my pictures to director Balaji Shaktivelu. I was lucky to get my first break into films with Balaji sir. He brought out my acting abilities to the fore.

What was your family’s reaction?

Initially my parents had their doubts especially during the shoots but with the success of ‘Kadhal,’ they were happy.

How was it working in ‘Alice in Wonderland,’ the Malayalam film?

I was very apprehensive initially, since I would be working with senior artistes, but it was a wonderful experience. Jayaram with his sense of humor kept us in splits. Sukumari and my mother found company in each other. The most difficult scene in this film was when I had to throw a cup at Jayaram in a fit of rage. While doing that scene I was worried about hitting him and could not portray the anger on my face. It was only the third take that pleased Sibi Malayil, the director.

Your memorable moment?

That was when director Shankar after seeing the rushes of ‘Kadhal,’ appreciated my performance.

What do you enjoy doing most?

Love watching movies, going out for a long drive and listening to music. But I can sleep for more than 10 hours, especially when I am upset over something.

Your favorite dress?

Sari is my all time favorite. I think I look my best in it. I prefer cottons, formal shirts and casuals.

What if films had not happened?

I was keen on doing fashion designing.

Tell us something about your new film, ‘Kannamoochi Enadaa.’

My role in this film is of a bubbly girl next door. This film brought into my life, a very wonderful person, Priya V, the director. She never scolds on the sets and whenever I had a difficulty with the dialogues, Priya was able to coax the best out of me.

The film you enjoyed most

Jim Cary’s Bruce Almighty.

Your next project?

‘Cycle,’ a Malayalam film directed by Johnny Antony opposite Vineet Srinivasan.