Tuesday Oct 20 2009, Bangalore

Pooja Gandhi gets candid!

It is after a long gap that Pooja Gandhi's films reached theatres in Karnataka. The last couple of weeks saw two of her films, 'Huchchi' and 'Ninagaagi Kadiruve', being released. Pooja is unhappy with the former and the latter, beset by problems even before release, bombed at the B.O.

A frank discussion with the actress on her career in Sandalwood...

Q. You said you are not at all satisfied with your latest release 'Huchchi'. Why do you say so?

A. Frankly speaking, I was very much thrilled when I heard the story of the film. It was on the lines of 'A Beautiful Mind'. However, the director dashed all my hopes by making a very low quality film. The very minute I saw the film, I was disturbed about its quality. I was not all satisfied with the film. I requested the director to mend a few things before releasing the film. But he did not take it seriously and went ahead with its release. Whoever has seen the film says it’s a very badly made film. I would be extra careful in choosing such films and directors in the future. I have decided not to sign any films in the near future.

Q. Are you serious about it?
A. Definitely. I have decided not to sign any films in the near future. I have a few releases and a few films on the floor. I just want to finish those first. I plan to sign new films only after that. That is because I should get to know what exactly I am doing and what I am good at.

Q. Do you regret working for a film such as 'Huchchi'?
A. No, not at all. From 'Mungaru Male' to here, I have been trying to associate myself with quality films. But sometimes I have made wrong choices also. 'Huchchi' is one among them. I don't have any regrets about working in the film; but I do say it was a wrong choice.

Q. 'Thiruvannamalai' was your last film in Tamil. Any new acting offers in other language films?
A. I have stopped signing other language films also. That is because I want to stick onto Kannada films. I am happy and comfortable here. The other thing is, I feel very safe here.

Q. Is it true that you are the highest paid actress in Kannada film industry?
A. Not at all. Remuneration is not at all important to me. I have not come here to make money. What I need is good stories and good characters; that’s all. I am very flexible when it comes to good roles. I have never tortured anybody for remuneration. I am yet to get my balance payment from three films. When I like a subject, I keep aside the monetary aspect.

Q. Future plans?
A. Right now, I am busy with my work. I don't have plans of marriage for the next few years. I will marry only after fours years. Even after marriage I would like to be a part of the Kannada film industry. If not as an actress, maybe as a technician.

Q. You mean direction?
A. (Laughing) Wait and watch!