Anasuya Bharadwaj, one of the most popular TV faces, is in news for doing a special song in 'Winner'. In this exclusive interview to IndiaGlitz, she talks about why she doesn't like the term 'item song', the freedom she got after marriage, and more.

The special song 'Suyaa Suyaa' from 'Winner' has been creating a lot of buzz. You must be upbeat about it..

I never expected that I will end up doing a special song. I am very happy to have done this, especially because the lyrics are after my name and praise my 'buggalu'! It's so good a song that I would be a fool to miss it. The fact that this song has been getting lots of coverage says it all.

This is the first time that two anchors (Suma, who has rendered the number, is the other anchor) are associated with a special song. In that sense, we are trendsetters.

Earlier, you said that you were tensed about doing the number. You have been such a TV star for many years. Why then were you jittery?

I am still taking baby steps in silver screen. After I received critical acclaim for 'Kshanam', I have been very choosy. Special songs evoke a certain impression. I was conscious that if I am taking up a special song, I should leave a mark of my own. My genuine fans were happy when I took it up, looking at me as an inspiration.

What was the toughest part of doing the song?

Dancing for Thaman's beats with someone like Sai Dharam Tej. Moreover, Gopichand's (director) films have an energetic aura about them. (So, living up to all that was the toughest part).

You have refused to call it an item song. Why so?

There is nothing called an item song. The term suggests that girls are a property. This is male chauvinism and a male-centric terminology. Women are no less than males. Whatever difference is there, it's only biological.

These songs are only a special attraction. I am not a feminist, but I honestly feel special song is the right term.

With due respect for your views, songs done by male actors like Shah Rukh Khan have also been called item songs in the past. Why should the term be offending?

Whoever it is, using the word 'item' makes me uncomfortable. In short, it connotes the body, the figure. Therefore, it's too bad to use 'item'.

Coming to your song, you have said that you fell for the lyrics. Are you someone who can easily be won over by praises?

I fall for compliments like any other girl. That said, I don't get carried away. I blush and feel nice about it.

I am also someone who sees the brighter side of everything. Compliments boost my morale.

Before you became a star, what kind of compliments would you receive?

I am not a star!

People used to tell me that I am tall and should try modelling. I would get tempted some times. But since I come from an orthodox family, it was a no-no. I got freedom after marriage. To be in the show business was always on the back of my mind. But my father wouldn't have let me do that. He agreed to me being a news presenter. I tried my hand at it, but it didn't take me even six months to conclude that I didn't belong there.

My husband is always proud of me. He gives me that lenience (to pursue my interests).

You must have been flooded with offers after 'Kshanam'. To everyone's surprise, however, you went for a special song!

Before signing up for 'Kshanam', my thinking was that if it works it's good, but if it doesn't, it would be a wrong step. I am someone who is too cautious. 'Athi jagratha type nenu'. After that film became a hit, I got many offers, but I never wanted to repeat such an act. I want people to remember me for 'Kshanam'. TV is my priority.

Are you willing to do special songs after 'Suyaa Suyaa'?

I doubt. If it's really special, then I will think. If they feel Anasuya should do it, yes. I am an attention-seeker like everyone else in the industry.

How do you balance your work and professional life?

Like any working mother. While I am in the limelight, there are many whose work is not visible, but who are much better at it than I am. 'Na kante thopulu chala mandi unnaru'. Suma 'akka' is an example. There was a time when I felt that I should give more time for my kids. When others can do, why can't I do was my thinking. We all pull off work-life balance. That's why I say that we are special, not items.

Not doing a special song in 'Attarintiki Daredi' created a lot off buzz back then in 2013. How do you look at it after all these years?

I have never met Pawan Kalyan garu, but I am thankful that he has indirectly helped me. I hope I get to work with him some day. When I was offered the song, there were some reasons I couldn't do it. I was pregnant. Although the co-director assured me that I would be seen in a saree and the moves would be slight, I didn't want to do it. I also didn't want to be one among the group. It's not wrong to want to get a bigger role opposite Pawan Kalyan garu. Had I done that number, maybe I wouldn't have got to do 'Suyaa Suyaa'. Please forget about that song. Move on!

If you were to be offered a 'Kshanam'-like role in a Pawan Kalyan movie, will you do it or not?

I am not a God to predict that. He wouldn't do something like that; he will do some thing better than that. If the character is important, I will definitely prioritize doing it.