Yamini Bhaskar hails from Vijayawada. She awaits the release of 'Nartanasala' on August 30. In this interview, the youngster talks about her role, the film, being a Telugu girl in Tollywood, casting couch, and more.

Tell us about your background.

I hail from Vijayawada, where I was born and brought up. Till four years ago, it was my place of residence. I came to Hyderabad to learn acting from Devadas Kanakala garu for a year. I once again went back to my hometown, only to come back to do films like 'Keechaka'.

When I was in 10th Standard, my school principal, who has a friend in the film industry, felt that I will make it in films. I was being told that I look good. That's how my interest in films began and my studies got affected badly (laughs). After I became an actress, my mother once told me my late father was often saying that he will take me to Hyderabad and make me an actress!

How have you grown as an actress since your debut?

I learnt dancing even as a child. I have this urge to do nice roles. Since the time of my first film, there has been a lot of change in me. My thinking has changed a lot. Life is the best teacher.

Casting couch is said to be rampant. What's your experience?

I am glad that my mother fully supports me in whatever I do. Casting couch is a reality and there is no brushing it aside. I myself have faced it. There are those who seek favours from girls. There are those who don't.

There is another heroine in the movie. What about the relative importance of these characters to the story?

Although there are two heroines in the movie, they are as different as chalk and cheese. Mine is an arrogant and stubborn character. She plays the daughter of Jayaprakash Reddy garu. So, if he is powerful, his daughter too has to be shown like that. Every character is important to the story. Just as the characters played by Soundarya and Ramya Krishna are so different in 'Narasimha', so also the characters played by me and Kashmira are different in this film.

Did you learn martial arts for this role?

The hero teaches self-defence techniques. By the time he sees me, he believes that girls have to be strong. I have done action scenes but they are not gravity-defying ones. I have done them myself. I never learned martial arts. But days before 'Nartanasala' went to the floors, I practised stunts.

You being a Telugu girl, what do you have to say about the competition from non-Telugu girls?

I don't want to make any controversial statement. I wouldn't say that Telugu girls don't get opportunities. The thing is that both talent and beauty count in the film industry. It holds good for both Telugu and non-Telugu girls. A girl has to look well in all dresses. I haven't got too many offers in the past three years. I hope things will look up after 'Nartanasala'.

Would you say that Telugu girls don't get adequate opportunities?

As I said, it's not like there are no opportunities for Telugu girls. I urge the media to write as it is and not distort my statements. These days, makers have so many options. If they don't get the dates of a girl or if they feel she is not suitable, they will get another girl. I wouldn't say there is domination of Northern girls over South Indian girls. Rather, I would say there is a stiff competition between them. Every Friday, some or the other new girl makes a debut. I am saying that luck factor also plays a role. I hope time is on my side.

What's your upcoming movie?

I am doing 'Bhale Manchi Chowka Beram', which is produced by Maruthi garu and has been directed by Murali of 'Rojulu Maarayi' fame. It will hit the screens sometime in September. In the meantime, I am glad 'Nartanasala' is coming.