Sobhita Dhulipala, the model-turned-actress, is a Telugu girl who has carved a niche for herself in Bollywood. A thinking actor, she debuts in Telugu with Adivi Sesh-starring 'Goodachari', which hits the screens this August 3. In this interview, she talks about the film, her role in the spy thriller, what matters to her as an artiste and more.

No industry background:

I was born and brought up in Vizag till 12th Class. I moved to Mumbai to pursue graduation in Commerce. At the age of 19 or so, I participated in a beauty pageant. Since I had been a topper through school and college days, my parents were a bit shocked and little concerned when I told them that I wanted to pursue modeling. I come with no industry background and yet my parents were supportive. I hadn't even watched many movies. I watched hardly 20 of them, 8 of which were Harry Potter movies.

Started out as a model:

Doing modeling was a fun thing for me. At a young age, being able to earn was exciting. I got to work with some very talented designers and models. But there was always a yearning in me to do something more.

Acting just happened to me:

I have always wanted to tell stories. Even as a classical dancer, I revel in telling stories through my dance. I also write poetry. My travel columns have been published. Writing is my No. 1 passion. My first film happened to just like that. I was delighted to work with someone as talented as Anurag Kashyap. In no time, I saw myself participating in the Cannes film festival because of this film. Money is not important to me. When I become old, I should be proud of what I did as a youngster.

My role in 'Goodachari':

I had watched 'Kshanam' when it released and I liked it. Adivi Sesh is a very sensible guy. The director Sashikiran Tikka has got a clear vision. I am playing a psychologist in 'Goodachari'. Besides style, action and drama, the movie is driven by emotions. Every character in the movie is relevant.

Each industry is unique:

Nowadays, Telugu movies are pushing boundaries. They are attracting Bollywood remakes. Each industry has its own uniqueness. I notice that Mollywood technicians are very talented. In Hindi, there is a polished sense of camerawork, etc. In Telugu, the comedy content is at its best. Telugu movies also have a strong emotional content.

I want to tell stories:

Doing a film in your mother tongue (Telugu is Sobhita's mother tongue) is like coming full circle. As far as I am concerned, Mumbai, Hyderabad, Chennai, Bengaluru - all these are the same. I want to act in every language. I am attracted to characters. I would like to play a farmer's wife, a tailor's daughter, a school teacher and the like. That way, I can tell someone's story. If the story moves me, I can do any project. I should grow by doing a character. The subject has to be substantial.

I chase quality, not the brand:

I have got to work with many talented filmmakers and technicians over the years. I value things in terms of their quality, not in terms of their brand value. I don't want to do less qualitative stuff. I am not obsessed with the idea of being famous. I don't want to do films that assume the audiences are stupid not to see that someone is being shown donating blood in a hospital wearing high heels, for example!