Nabha Natesh awaits the release of 'Nannu Dochukunduvate' on Sept 21. In this interview, the Kannada actress talks about the film, her background, what she likes to do in future, how theatre background is helping her and more.

How did you land 'ND'?

The director (RS Naidu) saw my performance in Kannada movies and roped me in. He liked my energy in those movies. They felt I fit the bill and that's why I was cast.

Did you have to unlearn anything for playing the character?

I didn't have to unlearn anything for this character. She is just like me. I am a toned down version of this character. All emotions are there. She is mischevious, she is honest, she has helping nature.

So, have you learned the language, now that you have done two Telugu movies (the other one being 'Adhugo')?

I can speak Telugu but I am not fluent. I have learned it working in Telugu movies. In 'ND', I have so many dialogues. Since I come from a theatre background, I always like to know my lines.

Tell us about your modeling and theatre stints.

I have done street plays all over India even when I was in college. Modeling and theatre were going hand-in-hand. It's because I wanted to be in movies that I joined theatre so as to get my basics right. Modeling is helpful for your appearance and confidence. In theatre, you have to be very specific about your expressions, your voice has to be loud, you have to convey everything with your body language.

What drove you towards modeling and theatre?

I wanted to do more than Engineering. I have always been into extra-curricular activities since childhood. I started with modeling and won a Femina title. Modeling is not too much about you. It's also about the designer, and others. That's what I realized once I was in modeling.

What kind of roles would you prefer?

Because I have a theatre background, I always look for something new in characters. They should be versatile. I don't want to be typecast. If I do different kinds of roles form the beginning, nobody will typecast me. I would get to explore new things. If I get to do something new in the commercial space, I would love to do. I have been into dancing and so, I would like to do a lot of dancing. Acting, dance, fashion - they all excite me.

How different was the Telugu debut compared to the Kannada debut?

When I debuted in Kannada, I was scared and petrified. While debuting in Telugu, I was largely comfortable. I never felt I was working in a new space. It was a smooth experience, thanks to Sudheer Babu and others. This is a bigger industry, the audience are different here. So, I want to see how people will accept me. But I am more confident now.

Why is it important for you to know your lines?

If I don't know the lines, I can't act. So, there was so much pressure in the beginning. I can't act when someone is prompting me. I did a lot of homework and workshops for 15 days.

Are you open to playing glamorous roles?

Glamour is about being comfortable in what you are. If the role is glamorous, if she is a stylish kind of person, then you are acting for the role. In real life, it's about your comfort. There is nothing like glamorous or non-glamorous. It's about your personality.

What about your next film 'Adhugo', which will release in October?

In 'Adhugo', I am playing a focused kind of role. She wants to pursue her career. She gets into unforeseen situations because of her boyfriend and the piglet. The movie is about the piglet and so it's walking away with all the attention. The movie will work because of it.