Manchu Lakshmi has come a long way since she grew up watching Mani Ratnam's acclaimed classics like Geetanjali. Now that she is part of Mani’s up-and-coming Kadal, where she is playing a negative role, she says that she felt really thrilled when she first got a call from the director’s office. Post an audition, she landed the offer.

"I am a great fan of Mani Ratnam. As a child I watched Geetanjali several times and fell in love with Nagarjuna. When he offered me the role, I was thrilled and apprehensive at once. However, he made me feel comfortable, and explained my character in great detail,” Manchu reveals.

Is she facing any problem speaking in Tamil? "I was born and went to school in Chennai. I studied there till X Class. Our association with Rajikanth uncle's family is well-known. Aishwarya, Soundarya (Rajini's daughters) and I used to play together as children. Even after moving to Hyderabad, we met regularly", Lakshmi tells.

The Manchu girl is currently producing Gundello Godari. Illayaraja is the music director.