As 'Amar Akbar Anthony' releases on November 16, Ileana D'Cruz talks about the movie, its trailer, working with Sreenu Vatila, dubbing in Telugu for the first time, rejecting item songs in the past, and more.

What made you accept the movie? What's your character in the movie?

Mainly it's the story. Working with Ravi (Teja) was great because he is one of my most favourite co-stars. I can't tell you too much about the character. It's a complicated character. She has different equations with Amar, Akbar and Anthony. The character has got so much of range.

It's one of those films whose trailer didn't give any idea of the story. The trailer was meant to trigger curiosity about the characters Amar, Akbar and Anthony. You will know what is the funda exactly on November 16.

Why were you out of Telugu cinema for so many years?

When I first got my Hindi opportunity, I asked Trivikram for his suggestion. I like his sensibilities. I asked him for a suggestion and he asked me to go ahead. From there, I started doing film after film in Bollywood. I never said that I don't want to work in Tollywood. Why will I say that? There were quite a few offers but I didn't like them as my gut feeling said no to them. 'AAA' felt really good and I did it. It happened so fast. Everything happens for the best.

How have you changed over the years?

I am now 32 and so there is a change in my personality. I am now choosy. When you decide very carefully what you want to do next, your choices will be according to your choices. I have learned from my mistakes. I didn't realize 'Pokiri' would be such a big hit. I was not ready to do it. It's Mahesh Babu's sister who convinced me to do that. But the film went on to become a highlight in my career.

I am a lot stronger now. I respect my work, I understand it. My working relationship with people has also changed. I was a child when I was doing films like 'Devadas'. I was 18 when I started. It's great that I have got many amazing opportunities.

You have dubbed your voice for 'AAA'. Whose idea was it?

It was Sreenu's idea to have me dub my voice. I got a call from the producers saying I should dub. I said no because I haven't spoken in Telugu for 6 years. As I started dubbing, I had a meltdown. I had a mental block because I didn't want to mispronounce. Sreenu is a perfectionist. Since he has said OK to my dubbing, I hope it's good. I hate my voice, though. But the director felt my voice is better! In my contract, I had no obligation to dub. But I still did. (Laughs).

Being away from Tollywood, was it a gain or a loss?

I don't like to look it as gain or loss. I believe in kismat. I missed working in Hyderabad. I was missing Banjara Hills, Film Nagar. I was comfortable here. It was a good feeling to come back. I did have several offers before 'AAA', one of them was with a really big actor and a great director. But my role was very small. So, I rejected the film. I rejected many special songs. I have done a song in a Kannada movie. I will do a special song only if I feel right.

Performance or glamour?

Your frame of mind makes a difference. It's not like I want to do only performance-oriented roles. In 'AAA', it's a good balance of performance and glamour. My director needs to have faith in me and I can follow him or her blindly.

Star or actor?

I hate the words celebrity, star etc. I am an actor. I act on sets. Beyond that, I am just myself. I look after my home, etc.

What's your relationship status right now?

My relationship status is 'Very happy'. Why should we talk about marriage, etc?

What's your take on the Me Too movement?

It's necessary that people should talk about it. I hope something will come out of it. Small initiatives can make a difference. No profession should be such that you are harassed. Mutual respect should be there.