TV sensation Rashmi Gautam is now all set to be 'jabardasth' on the big screen. Into her third innings, Guntur Talkies comes like a boon to her. In this exclusive interview to IndiaGlitz, the 30-years-old actress talks about why she thinks GT will be a game-changing film for Tollywood, why she hates tags, working with Praveen Sattaru, doing a most sensuous song in GT, why she has a huge crush on Suriya, and more.

So, how is it to start your third innings in cinema?

I never give up. I give it my 100 pc to anything that I want to do in my life. In 2002, I had come into the industry and debuted in Thanks, starring Vineet and Srikanth. But because of some reasons, that movie didn't do well. I was very young back then. I went back to my hometown Vizag after that film flopped. Later, I did TV. Then came Bindaas and Current years later. I didn't like the roles that came to me after these films. I didn't want to get branded as someone apt for sister's role, heroine's friend's role, etc. Then Jabardasth happened. Rest is history.

In Guntur Talkies, there is no such thing as hero, heroine, vamp, etc. Everybody is playing a role in the film. A story is made of several characters.

Would you say that Jabardasth is a game-changer?

Yes, Jabardasth was a game-changer in my career. I'm thankful to Shyam sir, Mallemala Productions, and my director Sanjeev sir. It's because of them that all the good things are happening in my life.

How is Guntur Talkies (GT) special to you?

It's a movie which is going to bring change in the industry. I feel blessed that I'm part of a film that I think is going to be a game-changer in the industry. If small-budgeted films like these with good quality become hits, more and more such films will be made. I'm proud of being part of the industry when such a transition is happening.

You were apprehensive that you might get stereotyped if you played sister's roles. Even bold roles might result in stereotyping. Isn't it?

Yes, definitely. And I'm mentally prepared for that. I know that after this film, I will get offers to do item songs. There are no two ways about it. There is stereotyping everywhere.

So, are you ready to do item songs?

Yes. If it is opposite a big hero, why not? If everything from choreography to music is good, I will be happy to do. I love songs like Ringa Ringa. Tell me who is not doing item songs nowadays? Even actresses in Rs. 1 cr, Rs. 2 cr club are doing item songs. The longevity of a film is less nowadays. But item songs are remembered for long.

If you have to choose between a performance-oriented role and an item song, which one would you go for?

Both. I'm greedy. I want both.

Who do you think is responsible for the tags that actors/actresses get?

Nobody is responsible. It's just that we haven't evolved yet, unlike the other industries. Change is coming slowly and surely. Things change with time. It's little slow in Tollywood, though.

You have said that Praveen Sattaru selected you for the role because of the connectivity that you enjoy through TV.

Yes, I think he selected me for that reason. I also think Praveen took it up as a challenge to show a girl always seen in Western –style dress in a village belle's attire.

Is it you benefiting the film or is it the other way round?

It's both way for all the actors in the film. It's a win-win for all of us. Praveen Sattaru is the biggest name of all.

How has the transition from small screen to big screen been?

There is no makeover. I will juggle both television and cinema. What I'm today is because of TV. TV, thus, is going to be my first love. Everytime I was down, it was always TV which saved me.

You are playing a slum tease. What is it?

There was a time when there were no communication gadgets and all. Back then, boys and girls having an affair would use small notes and codes to communicate. We have shown such tease in the backdrop of a slum. People living in slums are not savvy. We have tried to show all that in the film.

What was the need for the sensuous song in GT?

The song comes in a situation where a boy and a girl in love affair get complete freedom. There is none to restrict them. What happens when the chemistry between them, their urges, etc get unleashed? The song comes in that context in a realistic way.

So, it was the script which demanded it.

Yes. I took it aesthetically, thus. I was apprehensive as to how the song might turn out to be. I have found it very beautiful after I watched it. I am giving Praveen Sattaru all the credit because it was he choreographed it. Of course, there will always be 10 pc people who won't like a song like this. I respect their opinion.

Do you think it's because of the changing audience's profile that films like GT are going to be a regular phenomenon?

Our film has got an A certificate. It's meant for adult audience. Our target audiences are adults. Please go and watcht the movie after locking the children up in your homes!

How do you react to gossips about link-ups?

I'm cool about it. It really doesn't matter. Am I supposed to react to them? I am a young girl and the guys I'm linked up with are young boys. It's normal.

Why is Suriya your biggest crush?

I have a huge crush on him for the kind of roles he plays. He is a dedicated actor. The way he works hard, breaks his body for a role, the way he becomes the character – all that is fabulous. I want to be like him one day.

In Telugu, who are your favourites?

I like Mahesh Babu. He is looking his best right now. As a person, I love and adore Balakrishna sir. It's not because he launched our trailer. I had the opportunity to know him in p