Tuesday Apr 07 2009, Bangalore

I am very much here: Bhavana

The last time we saw her was in Soori's 'Inthi Ninna Preetiya' where she played a demure housewife who helplessly watched her husband drinking himself to death. After that, Bhavana aka Nandini (in Bollywood) was not to be seen in Sandalwood except at the recently concluded Platinum Jubilee celebrations where she matched steps with the likes of Ravichandran. Now after a one-year-hiatus, she is back with Dr. Vishnuvardhan's 200th film, 'Aptharakshaka'.

Here is a chat with the ravishing actress…

Q. There were rumours that you have bidden adieu to the Kannada film Industry. What's happening?
A. It's not true that I have quit the industry. I am very much a part of Kannada film industry. Many people think I have settled in Mumbai. There's nothing like that. I stay in Mumbai and nothing else. I will definitely come back if I get good opportunities here. There was talk that I won't come back here for work. But the platinum jubilee celebrations have cleared that myth.

Q. You were not to be seen in the last one year. Didn't you get any opportunities to work here?
A. I did get a couple of offers in the last one year. But they were mainly supporting characters like sister or sister-in-law roles. I don't have anything against such kind of roles. But I want to continue doing the lead role for some more time. I don't even mind doing cameo or small roles provided that I get a chance to act. That's why I did a film like 'Inthi Ninna Preetiya'. I had a very small role in it. But it was quite interesting.


Q. Tell us something about your role in 'Apthrakshaka'?
A. The moment I got an offer from the team, I decided I must be a part of that film. It's indeed an honour to be a part of Vishnuvardhan's 200th film. I have got a prominent role in the film, of which I do not have the permission to reveal. In fact, even I don't know the story as the director wants to keep it under wraps.

Q. Your stint in Bollywood was not quite a success. Are you doing any other movies after 'Family'?
A. Though my debut film in Bollywood, Amitabh Bachchan's 'Family', may not be a big success, my portrayal was appreciated. After that I got a couple of offers, but nothing interested me. I will definitely act if I get a good offer.

Q. Small screen always has good offers for everyone. Were you by chance considered for any projects in small screen?
A. If I had wished, I would have done a couple of serials. I had plenty of offers in the small screen, particularly in Hindi. They know that basically I am a dancer. I could have done many roles like Durga Maatha. Even I got chance in some reality shows. But I am not that keen to enter small screen at this stage of my career.

Q. Any new projects in Kannada?
A. Right now I am being offered roles in one or two stories which I have not confirmed. I am very much here and I am open to hear all stories. But I will only accept if I get inspired to do a role.