Tuesday Dec 09 2008, Bangalore

"Item numbers are welcome"

Suman Ranganathan, the Bollywood sizzler, needs no introduction. But not many know that the gorgeous heroine and item dancer of Bollywood hails from Karnataka and was a busy actress in Kannada in late '80s and early '90s. Making a comeback with 'Bindaas', Suman is a busy actress in Kannada again, thanks to her cameo in 'Buddhivanta' opposite Upendra. An exclusive chat with the stunning actress.

Q. After so many years, you are back in Kannada. How do you feel?
A. The response I got was overwhelming. I left the industry to act in Bollywood 12 years back. Many people who had worked with me earlier, come and remind me they have worked with me before. They ask me if I recognise them. It's really touching.

Q. Why did you take so long to come back to Kannada?
A. Actually speaking, I never told that I won't be acting in Kannada films while working in Bollywood. But many people thought that I won't act in Kannada as I was busy in Bollywood. But I had never gone anywhere. I am from Bangalore and I stay here. One day I got an offer from the 'Bindaas' team. The next film was 'Buddhivanta'. Once the 'Chitranna Chitranna' became a rage, I am being flooded with offers.

Q. Though you acted as a heroine in Hindi films, you were more famous for your item dances rather than heroine roles. Don't you think so?
A. I don't mind doing item songs unless they are not vulgar. Item songs are so big in Hindi, that half the girls have minted money doing item songs. Not only in films, item songs are popular in stage shows too. Today nobody looks that it is just an item song. I am also open to it. I don't want to limit myself.

Q. Apart from the item dances, Suman also made news with her affairs and marriage?
A. I don't want to talk about the past. Right now I am very single and happy. I believe in living by the moment.

Q. Any plans about getting married again?
A. I definitely want a family. I don't know when. May be at a later stage.

Q. Tell us about your future projects?
A. I am working in 'Gautham' opposite 'Kokila' Mohan. I am also working in 'Anjadiru', 'Kalakaar' and 'Savaari'. I am reading a couple of scripts and yet to decide on them. Now I want to work easily. ly I had worked in 2-3 shifts daily. I don't have to hurry now.