Friday May 09 2008, Hyderabad

Who says I’m the highest paid? Asks Illeana

Illeana D'Cruz or simply Illeana to her fans is the new glamour girl of Telugu cinema.She almost deserves the title of `Golden Girl’ with massive successes in a row.She was born on 19th August, 1987 in Mumbai, but her family is now settled in Goa.She has three sisters and two brothers.She took to modeling at a very early age and performed very well in the profession.

She burst into the scene with a famous 'Fair and Lovely' commercial directed by ace ad film director Rakesh Roshan.It was form here that she was spotted by director Y.V.S.Chowdary and offered a role in his Telugu movie 'Devadasu in 2006.

Here she starred opposite Ram who was also making his debut on the screen.The film was an instant hit and overnight turned Illeana into a star.The critics applaud her sensitive portrayal of a woman who fights against her father for her love in the movie.Her life was destined to change in the same year and she got the offer to play the role of Shruthi in the film 'Pokiri' directed by Puri Jagannadh.Her co-star in this was prince Mahesh Babu.

The character she played was of an innocent girl haunted by a corrupt police officer.The film not only appealed to the urban masses but was a super hit in the rural aread.The film broke all the box-office records of Telugu filmdom and went on to become the biggest hit in history grossing over Rs.66 Crores.After this sensational hit, she was in the numero uno slot among the actresses in the Telugu film industry.

And, arguably, one of the highest paid actresses.Illeana, among the current generation actresses. commands a huge following.Here is excerpts from our conversation.....

Q: What is your parent's reaction in being recognized as a star's parents?A: They are very proud of my success and is always a great support to me.Not only Mummy and Daddy, but the whole of my family is very supportive to me.

Q: How was it working with heroes like Pawan Kalyan, Junior NTR and Mahesh Babu?A: My heroes Pawan Kalyan and Mahesh Babu are both reserved people.They never used to interfere with others' works - their policy was to keep to themselves, complete their work and go.Junior NTR (Tarak) is fun to work with.He mingles with every one easily.But they are all real professionals in that they all work equally hard for scenes’betterment.

Q: How are you enjoying the success of 'Jalsa' and good response for your role in 'Bhale Dongalu?

A: It is a double bonanza for me.I am really happy about the success of the both the films!

Q: Your film 'Pokiri' was much bigger success than the debut film 'Devadas...

A: True, but 'Devadas' is always close to my heart as it is my debut film and the character I did in 'Devadas' is close to my original self.So I love 'Devadas' a lot, not that I don't love 'Pokiri', but I surely like 'Devadas' more.

Q: How did the flops like 'Khatarnak' and 'Munna' affect you?

A: For every film we put in the same hard work.Will the flops affect us? Surely, yes! But nothing is in our hands.And, I do not think everyone keeps giving hits constantly, right?

Q: You worked with best directors in Telugu.How was your interaction with them?

A: I am very lucky to work with wonderful directors like YVS Choudary gaaru, Puri Jagannadh, Krishnavamsi, V.N.Aditya, Trivikram Srinivas gaaru, Vijaya Bhaskar gaaru etc.It is luck and my hard work which paid off to work with such a great directors