Sai Pallavi on ‘Kanam’, misunderstanding from Shaurya’s side, & more

Sai Pallavi awaits the release of ‘Kanam’ on April 27.  In this interview, she talks about why she was reluctant to do the film at the outset, bonding with the film’s child artist, alleged differences with Naga Shaurya, and more.  

You have played a mother’s role in ‘Kanam’.  For a young star actress to do this, it’s quite bold.  Didn’t you have reservations?  How did AL Vijay end up coming to you with this offer?

With the director, I was supposed to do a film called ‘Charlie’.  Somehow, it didn’t fall into place.  When he told me that ‘Kanam’ is about a mother and a daughter, I was reluctant to play a mother in my very first Tamil film.  I had told him the same.  He asked me to first read the script.  

It’s when my mother happened to read the script, which she loved.  She questioned me as to why I am unwilling to essay the role in a film which horror elements.  Upon her further prodding, I agreed to do ‘Kanam’ (‘Dhiya’ in Tamil).

How has your perception changed since ‘Premam’?

Every actor undergoes a change in perception over time.  At this age, we tend to like doing lover girl’s roles.  After doing 2-3 movies, our thinking does change.  My thinking too has been changing.  After doing ‘Kanam’, I must say, my thinking has changed for better.

How was it doing this tough film?

All along, I imagined myself as a mother while doing ‘Kanam’.  I could connect with Veronica (child artist) so well.  I am seeing myself in a new way after doing this film.  I am not at all dissatisfied about essaying the role of a mother.

I got so emotionally connected with Veronica that, there came a point when I wanted to adopt her.  I went to the director and told him the same.  When I expressed the same wish with my mother, she asked me to first take care of myself.  

How was it dubbing for the role in Tamil and Telugu?

Although Tamil is my mother tongue, it took me 1.5 days for me to complete the dubbing. In Telugu, I could complete it in half a day.  I actually speak better Telugu than Tamil.  

You have more than a couple of times talked about how you came of age with respect to your perception about pimples.  Do you care about your looks at any level?

When I used to pursue Medicine in Georgia, I was very conscious about the pimples on my face.  So much so, I would cover my face with a cloth while stepping out.  When I started doing ‘Premam’, I was apprehensive as to whether people will accept me.

But after my debut movie’s release, I became strong looking at the way the audiences received me.  It’s not how we look that matters.  What matters is what roles we play. People now think, ‘So what, even Sai Pallavi has got pimples!’  I am not thinking about my looks any longer.

Finally, Naga Shaurya recently suggested that your behaviour on the sets was not proper. What transpired between you?

Naga Shaurya is a very good actor who transforms suddenly in front of the camera.  On the other hand, I take my time and ask so many questions to my director.  I wouldn’t speak much with him, thinking that he is a silent guy.  It seems he misunderstood me because of that.  I don’t hurt anybody.

And when I do so, I immediately go and apologize to him or her.  During dubbing phase, we wanted to have dinner together.  The director couldn’t reach him as Naga Shaurya doesn’t use a mobile.  He was moreover busy with the promotions of ‘Chalo’.