Reedy Anjala looking for meaty roles

  • IndiaGlitz, [Thursday,May 06 2004]

Remember the svelte, almost noodles-like, Anjala Jhaveri?

After being away from Tollywood, the tall actress, who had been part of such popular films like Choodalani Vundi, Narasimha Naidu and Preminchukundam Raa, is now ready for another lap here. In the two years away, Anjala tried her luck in Bollywood (Muskaan, Bazaar, to name a few of her Hindi films) but not with egregious success. So is it back to square one?

No, she says, actually the circle is complete. I started from here. It is here I made my name. So it is natural that I look to Tollywood as home ground'. Anjala is paired opposite Rajasekhar in Aapthudu, and is also doing dance numbers in the much-expected Naani and Shankara Dada MBBS.

But why the gap of two years?

Anjala's response is typical. There were not worthy offers. Things just didn't materialize. On the contrary, I got offers from Bollywood where I had to give bulk dates.

So how did Aapthudu happen?

It is a typical sentimental film. I was called up and offered the role by Jeevitha (Rajasekhar's wife). I liked the script and I accepted it.

Anjala is an actress who doesn't mind showing off as long it gels with the character she does. Now it is all part of the life style. Nobody bats an eye-lid about revealing clothes. People wear them on streets. So why pick on actress alone, she shots back.

Actresses as they grow along, tend to experiment with their roles and yearn for more challenges. Anjala is no different. In Bazzar, she played the character of a sex worker. There was no vulgarity in it. I had to interpret in my own way and add nuance to the role, she says.

Now that she is back, what are her goals?

I don't set much store in terms of goals. I love acting. I love working Tollywood where things are much more organized. As long as the roles are coming, I will stay.

Simple philosophy. But mighty effective.