I enjoy my role; will continue to act: Supriya

Supriya Yarlagadda of ‘Akkada Ammayi Ikkada Abbayi’ fame is back on the big screen with ‘Goodachari’. As a spy in the film, she has put in a notable performance.  At a time when the spy thriller is getting unanimous praise, the talented lady has spoken to the media.  

You have faced the camera for the first time in the last 22 years.  It must not have been an easy decision.  What did you initially tell your director when he offered the role?

I often listen to scripts that people come and narrate to me to seek my opinion. When Sashikiran Tikka and Adivi Sesh gave me a narration of ‘Goodachari’, I thought they were looking to seek my feedback.  In the end, they told me they would like me to essay Nadia Qureshi in the movie.  I asked them to audition me first before zeroing in on me.  After the film’s release, it feels great to get appreciation from Akkineni fans, who respect me as ANR garu’s granddaughter.  

Since you have been a behinds-the-screens person for long, how was it like facing the camera?

Many years ago, just before my acting debut, my grandfather told me that on-the-screen endeavour is not my thing.  Somehow, I went with acting for a brief while, only to realize that too many people were judging me.  On the first day of the shoot for ‘Goodachari’, I was camera-conscious for some time.  But they made me feel comfortable.  

The film is being appreciated for many reasons – be it the technical finesse, writing, treatment or emotions.  What do you like the most about ‘Goodachari’?

‘Goodachari’ has attempted some new things for a Telugu film.  That said, the father-son equations in the story is something I have loved.  

Now that you are back in public limelight, would you continue to act?

If I find meaty roles, then yes.  As you know, I take care of things at Annapurna Studios and I am busy with production works all the time.  There was a time when I was aspiring to become a writer, then happened acting, then happened behind-the-screens tasks.  

Are you open to playing negative characters?

Yes.  I will any day love to play roles that challenge me.  And for actors to start trying different roles, writing has to start breaking away from stereotypes.  It’s good that Telugu cinema is slowly and steadily starting to do it.  

Over the years, your self-image must have changed since you have been consistently looking after the studios.  What keeps you motivated?

I see myself as a gatekeeper of Annapurna Studios.  I love my job because this is what my grandfather wanted me to do.