In conversation with 'Kola Kolaya Mundhrika' heroine Shika

Kannada actor, Bhavana Rao is making her debut into Tamil Cinema with director Madhumita's new film, 'Kola Kolaya Mundhrika,' (KKM). Bhavana who will hence forth be known as Shikha entered films with the Kannada film, 'Gaalipata.' As the mischievous school going kid, Paavani, Bhavana left a mark. As she awaits the release of KKM, Shika speaks to Mythily Ramachandran on her journey into films.

Entering films

"Films beckoned me quite early in life. I remember being fascinated by films from quite an early age, maybe around the time I was six. I am a fan of Madhuri Dixit. After watching her films, I would come home and imitate her. At college, I modeled for a couple of print ads and also walked the ramp during college fests. I was also anchoring a television show in Kannada. My love for acting took me to Rangashankara as a volunteer. When I heard that Yograj Bhat was looking for new faces for 'Gaalipati,' I went for the auditions. Facing the camera was not new to me. During the auditions, I was quite nervous, but Yogaraj sir made me feel comfortable."

The role in her debut film

"I played Paavani, a class ten student. She is a brat and always up to mischief. That role got me noticed."

Entering Tamil Cinema

"Language is not a barrier for me. I want to become a good actor. I was in Chennai when the auditions for 'Kola Kolaya Mundhrika,' was announced. I went for it. I had to enact a scene from a Tamil film. I did not know a word of Tamil though and was feeling conscious of myself. Madhumita, the director suggested that I do the scene in Kannada or in English. And I bagged the role."

Working with Madhumita

"It was comfortable working with a woman director. Madhumita is clear and a perfectionist, who does not compromise. She would explain the lines to me. In fact a week before the shooting commenced, I was trained in Tamil."

The role in Kola kola mundhrika

"I play a con thief who is always trying to outwit Karthik (my co star) and another con thief.

On Karthik Kumar

"I could not have asked for a better co-star to work with on my debut. He is a natural actor. Recently I watched his play, 'Urban Turban,' and was just amazed by his acting. During the shooting of the film he would rehearse with me several times without complaining, sometimes more than ten times too before the shoot."

Memorable moments

"Jayaram sir's scenes were always hilarious and so was Crazy Mohan's."

Other projects

"I just finished working on 'Gajanachukki,' a Kannada film by debutant Govind Raj. I play a village belle. It is a silent character, unlike the roles I have played in my other two films. I am now working on Vijayalakshmi Singh's film, 'Vaahre Va.' I play a homely sweet girl. I am keen on exploring different characters."

Family support

"I am a newcomer to the industry. No one from my family is in films. So they had some apprehensions and were not happy about my passion for acting. But when friends and well wishers appreciated my performance in Gaalipatii, they felt proud."

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Kola Kolaya Mundhirikka