Samantha's busy schedule has been demanding. Exhausted to the core, the pretty actress is promoting her latest release, Suriya's '24', with enthusiasm. In this exclusive interview to IndiaGlitz, Samantha talks about why she juxtaposes '24' with 'Eega', working with Vikram Kumar, why Mahesh Babu's daughter Sitara will be a superstar, why she won't do item songs or female-centric films, and more.

What kind of feedback are you getting for '24'?

When I heard the narration, I got the same high as when I heard the script of 'Eega'. In both the cases, only the director would know the outcome. I was excited about how the script would be executed. I am extremely happy about the result. 'Theri'/'Police' and now '24' both are hits. There are two more releases - 'Brahmotsavam' and 'A Aa'.

You are an admirer of Suriya. So, how did it feel working with him?

I had done 'Anjaan' with him earlier. But it didn't perform well. So, '24' became very important. The result mattered. I think Suriya sir has given his career best performance. Moreover, he has produced the film. It's an honour that I'm a part of this film.

Considering that your acting has come out very well, what role did the director play?

Vikram Kumar sir is a genius. The way he connected the dots is amazing. I think he is on his way to becoming one of the best directors in the country. The rom-com part is in a lighter vein in this otherwise intense film.

A section of the audience are feeling that the rom-com track is a bit overstretched. What's your take?

Since the film is intense, I think the track was necessary to be of that length. Suriya is a very romantic hero and so, that's even more welcome. However, the film has been trimmed. I watched it last night and I must say that it's all the more crisp now.

You are a Suriya fan. Interestingly, it's you who are wooed by him.

(Laughs). I think it was just the role. I am an admirer of him as a person. He is a great gentleman. It was very fun being on the sets. Everybody was so warm and kind.

Is there any specific moment that you savour?

The Poland schedule was very great. I got to know the whole team. It felt like family.

Working constantly for months on end must have been very taxing. Isn't it?

For about 8 months, I have worked for 12 hours a day without resting for even one day. Suddenly, when I was alone in car one day, I cried. Incidentally, in all the Summer releases - 'A Aa', 'Theri', '24' and 'Brahmotsavam' , I am playing important characters. Thus, the stress. I am not the kind who says that I am not bothered about the result. I very much care for it and I can't sleep two days before my film's release. You are a superstar. How do you see the competition?

Right now, I have a goal. I don't see what others are doing. I just want to better myself.

You are being referred to as a senior actress..

(Smiles). When people call me one, I would like to tell that I am still doing films. I haven't retired as yet. Generally, upcoming actresses look up to Savitri garu or Soundarya garu as their favourites. I am not old. I am going to look younger in 'Janata Garage'.

A-listers like Tamannah are doing item songs. Are you open for them?

I don't dance much in my own songs. (Laughs). I am seen walking sometimes in the songs. So, I don't see myself doing an item number unless it's a conceptual song.

Are you suggesting that one has to be a great dancer to do item songs?

Yes, definitely. Tamannah is an extremely beautiful and graceful dancer.

Working with which hero has given you a high?

Working with the same hero gives me a high. I think more than awards, working with same directors and heroes is important.

In case of Mahesh Babu, for example, it has happened.

Yes, I really feel great about that. I am sure it's going to be a hit once again. The families are going to like the movie.

The likes of Anushka and Trisha are doing female-centric films. Are you looking at such a genre?

I only believe in conceptual films. Content is the king. It's not about hero- or heroine-centric films. I don't think I want to do heroine-oriented films.

You have said you broke down when you were too tired. In such times, what keeps you motivated?

Good films, good roles, trying to constantly outdo myself, look better, act better. I am a fighter. That's the only thing I do. As long as I have something to fight for, no matter how exhausted I am, I will keep fighting. Right now, I have a lot to fight for. (Smiles).

Where did you imbibe such qualities from?

This has been my core since my childhood. Whether it is at the gym, at work, or anywhere, I have been a fighter. Growing up, I would do multiple things. I don't believe in giving up.

You have been roped in for both mass and class films. What do you think ticks for you?

(Smiles). I think you should put that question to my directors. I am fortunate to have got to work in great films. 'Theri', even though a mass entertainer, had a good role for me. I got to work, that too, opposite Vijay. It's not easy to bag such opportunities. I had done 'Neethaane En Ponvasantham' previously. But it's only after 'Theri' that people got to know me better, they now know what I am capable of. It's important for a heroine to do a good mix of mass and class movies.

To what extent are you ready to take risks?

When I was doing 'Eega', I gave up a few mass masala films. I was excited about that film because I had no clue as to how it would turn out. It was a risk worth taking. Same thing with '24'