Tamannah and talent go together. Bhatia and beauty as well. In this exclusive interview to IndiaGlitz, the 'Abhinetri' who is the envy of many talks about the premise of her up-and-coming film, why she accepted it, working with Prabhu Deva and AL Vijay, who she referenced out to do the village woman's role in the movie and much more.

What is the premise of 'Abhinetri'?

It's a comedy, a drama and a horror film. Prabhu Deva sir plays a character who wants to marry a modern girl. He ends up marrying me, a village girl, due to certain circumstances. There are certain confusions in his life. After Sonu Sood sir's character enters, the confusions only go up. What relationship I have with his character, you have to watch it in theatre. I play a character with two contrasting shades. The film has a lot of filmi background; so, the director let the camera run and do our shots and at times, we didn't have to try to emote.

The solo song has become the talk of the town. What went into it?

The solo song is not there for the heck of it. It's very integral to the film. That's why I was very excited about doing it. There is a purpose behind the song, a story behind it. There was a 15-day rehearsal before I shot for it. I really enjoyed it. It was so fun.

Haven't there been enough number of horror-comedies?

This is not a horror flick in the conventional sense. There is no scary make-up, no blood, and no distortion. Since we have seen enough of such horrors, we have kept away from all that. (Prabhu Deva has said that it's a horror film in which the devil won't be seen anywhere!).

Was there any reference that you had while playing the village woman's role?

AL Vijay sir wanted me to reference out Revathi garu role in a Kamal Haasan garu's movie. He wanted me to imbibe that look and behaviour. Eventually, we went for a brand new body language and dialogue-delivery.

At the audio release function, everyone was in praise of your beauty. What is your diet?

Getting love and adulation is what an actress wants. After the film's release, I hope the film too will be loved in the same way. I have a balanced diet. I eat Indian staple diet, be it roti, sabzi, dal, etc. I prefer home food. When I binge, I go for Hyderabadi biryani, burgers, etc.

Why did you find fault with a director describing you as a hero of 'Abhinetri'?

An actress is an actress anyway. You don't need to compare to a hero. She doesn't need to become a hero to become any more of an actress. She is already one. That's my opinion on people wanting heroines to be like heroes. You can be a heroine and hold your ground.

How was it acting with Prabhu Deva?

Prabhu Deva sir is a very simple and lovely person. He really encouraged me all through. Acting with actors is one thing. Acting with a director is different. Prabhu Deva sir has a new perspective. Improvisations run in his mind. It was very difficult to match up with him as he could switch the three languages very fast. Before I would be ready with my dialogue in Telugu, he would have already done it.

Why do you say it was like working for three movies?

We have treated each language as an individual film. Each version takes place in its own space. There is a little bit of tweaking here and there. That's why the trailers are different. Hindi, Telugu and Tamil are three different markets.

Nani has said that you challenge the heroes with your dances.

Nani was just sweet and trying to compliment me. Heroes have done more than what the heroines have. Because it's a heroine, people are having this kind of reaction. But with more and more heroines dancing big-time, the shock factor won't be there in future. In fact, there are many who dance very well nowadays. Shruti Haasan, who is my friend, is one example. She is a very good actor. I am waiting for her film 'Premam'.

South has a different standard of dancing. Actors in Bollywood wonder how the South stars dance so well. Be it Bunny, Charan or Tarak and Prabhas, there are many good dancers here.

Why is AL Vijay so special?

A story may be good when narrated, but there are always doubts about how it will be executed. And Vijay garu is an amazing director. He portrays the heroine so well. His characters have depth, but his take is entertaining.

Before the release of 'Oopiri', you said that your role in 'Baahubali-The Conclusion' is not long. We, however, hear that it's the opposite. Where does the truth lie?

You have to wait till 2017 to know the truth. (Smiles)

Why do you think films like 'Pink' and 'Parched' are not made down South?

I am an actress. So, I can't answer why it's so. You have to ask the writers and directors. If people write such films, there would be actors ready to do them. Otherwise, we really can't help it.

Are you ready to wear a new hat?

No. I want to do acting only as of now. I want to be good at what I am doing.

What changes have occurred post 'Baahubali'?

I have had many interesting offers coming my way in Bollywood. Of late, the gap between the kind of films I want to do and the kind of films I am getting is getting bridged.