Saturday Oct 25 2008, Bangalore

"I don’t have a godfather"

Her take on glamour?

We are in an industry where glamour is definitely required; it is important. If you are comfortable then I would say ‘Why not?’. But I have always maintained a stand against over-exposing. Whatever my level of comfort is, I would stick to that and I am very happy that people have appreciated that side of Priyamani as well.

Is she open to onscreen smooching?

I am not sure if everybody knows about it, there has already been an onscreen kissing scene for me in “Adhu Oru Kanaa Kaalam” with Dhanush though it lasted only for about a second.
If it is really demanded by the script and happens to be important for the scene, I wouldn’t mind. In fact I haven’t thought about it yet; maybe I will have to sit and think about it.

About dancing around the trees abroad?

Initially, I found it embarrassing to dance around, especially in front of foreigners but now I think it is a part and parcel of my profession. As long as we are cool about it and as long as they are cool about it I don’t think we should feel embarrassed. Foreigners also love to see the dance numbers, the colours of the costume and they appreciate all these. So I think it is good enough.

On survival & godfathers in this industry?

As for as I know, I don’t have a godfather in this industry and I think I have survived without a godfather.

Rumours about becoming a producer?

Thank God it was just a rumour! I don’t think I am rich enough to produce a movie as of now. If at all it has to happen, I think it will take a long time.

Her advice to aspiring stars?

No matter where you are from, if you have a dream you should pursue that. Educated or not, if you do have a dream, go ahead, give it your 100 percent and work hard on it. Because hard work will ultimately pay off. Am I not a classic example?
So, just follow your dreams and work hard.

Where do you see yourself ten years from now?

Probably I would be married, have my own family and lead a happy married life.

Her favourite male co-stars?

That’s a very difficult question to answer because I know I would definitely get into trouble if I name one person. But I can definitely say that I get along with all my co-stars and all of them are great friends of mine.

Her favourite Hollywood actors?

I like so many actors in HollywoodIf given a chance, I would like to act with Jack Nicholson, Robert DeNiro, Harrison Ford or Dustin Hoffman and their likes, but definitely not Brad Pitt and Tom Cruise

Her favourite Bollywood actors?

I would love to work with Aamir or HrithikHrithik purely because I would want to match up to his dance and I also think he is a very good actor.

About Vidya Balan?

Well, Vidya is my second cousin and I haven’t been in touch with her for a very long timeHer father and my father are first cousins and they keep in touch. I haven’t spoken to Vidya but I am very happy and proud of herShe has done so exceedingly well in Bollywood and I wish her all the very bestI hope she has a rocking career in Bollywood