1. Looking back at your filmography, is there a specific role that stands out as a turning point in your career, and why?
    I feel like Sillu Karupatti did that job for me, it sort of reached a lot of people. I did not expect that kind of reception when the film came out, since it was also a small film. But the way it was conceived and the way people have showered love towards me, even until today, it’s quite overwhelming. So, that sort of really changed things for me, and even Sethum Aayiram Pon with regards to critics and film industry people; they have genuinely loved my character. I guess these two films have been the starting point of my career.
  2. Which directors or actors do you admire and hope to collaborate with in the future?
    There are quite a lot of people I actually want to collaborate with. But I guess top of my mind are Rajinikanth sir because I sort of studied in his school, and I grew up admiring him, and Fahadh Faasil sir. He was the first star that I saw in person, and I was starstruck. So, I’ve always wanted to work with them. As for directors, it’s a really long list of filmmakers, not just in Tamil, but also in Telugu, Hindi, and Malayalam. There are way too many people.
  3. You’ve worked in both Tamil and Telugu cinema. Are there any cultural differences you’ve observed in the filmmaking processes between the two industries?
    With regards to Tamil and Telugu, I feel that Tamil scripts that have come to me personally have been very culturally rooted. In Telugu, as far as whatever I’ve done, it resonates with the lifestyle of people in Hyderabad. So, that’s probably the only difference in the script. Of course, we live in different cities, and the lifestyles are different. With regards to approach, I feel it’s not about the industry, but about each director; it’s different. Even in Tamil, I’ve had completely different experiences with each filmmaker I’ve worked with. I mean, like, work experiences vary with each filmmaker. I can’t really differentiate by language, but I think it has to do with the person you’re working with; it’s usually the vibe of the captain of the ship.
  4. What genres or types of characters are you drawn to playing, and are there any specific roles you dream of portraying someday?
    There are quite a lot of genres I would want to tap into, and there are a lot of roles I want to play. But honestly, I feel like I want to explore different relationships. I want to portray various relationships in a film, like a master and student. I honestly liked Irudhi Suttru. I loved Highway; it’s between two strangers, or a grandmother and granddaughter, a mother and daughter, or father and daughter. So, these kinds of relationships have not been explored much in South Indian films. And I would love to play roles like that because these kinds of relationships have had a huge impact on me, on my life, and I feel like I could do them justice. Even Dear Zindagi, for that matter, where there’s a therapist and a patient—I loved it. I absolutely loved it. I like characters like that; there is so much depth in these relationships, I feel. So, there is quite a lot. Right now, I actually want to do a sports film, I hope it happens.
  5. How do you balance your acting career with your personal life, and what are some of your hobbies or interests outside of the film industry?
    Balancing acting, career, and my personal life, I feel like I’m a one-film-at-a-time kind of actor. I sort of love the process of getting into the role and coming out of it. That’s my high, so I don’t really do back-to-back stuff. So, I have quite a lot of time for myself and my personal life, and I absolutely love traveling. I feel I need to keep myself alive, to do the things that I do and live my life. Only then will I be able to creatively perform in a film. I also write small poems now and then; it’s my way of venting out, and I sketch a lot. I started sketching when I was really young, probably when I was in school, and I studied visual communication, so these are my favorite hobbies. I love cinema, and it’s a major part of my life, but not my entire life. However, I’m very passionate about this fraternity. I chose it when I was in school, and I walked into it, so I will do my best.
  6. Social media can be a double-edged sword for celebrities. How do you navigate online interactions and maintain a healthy relationship with your fans?
    Social media is a double-edged sword, to be honest. I’m a Gen Z, so I really like being on it and I enjoy Instagram. But I do feel like it’s bridged a gap between actors, stars, and the audience. It’s made us closer. Maybe that’s why audiences are not as star-struck by actors anymore, because they can reach us easily. But on the other hand, I also feel like because of social media, there’s so much employment, so many creativity coming into the scene, and so many artists emerging. There are just endless options to explore, so it has both sides. Personally, I love it.
  7. What are some life lessons or values that guide you both personally and professionally?
    I guess I’m just evolving over time. But right now, I think my motto is “one step at a time.” I’m just taking it calmly. I’ve built a lot of patience over the last few years. That’s one thing my parents thought I lacked, so I’m getting better at that. But yeah, right now it’s just one step at a time and becoming as self-aware as possible.
  8. As a successful young actress, what advice would you give to aspiring actors or filmmakers in India?
    I don’t think anybody likes receiving advice, but someone once gave me some that resonated with me. I just feel like putting yourself out there. I can speak for actors at least. It’s not just about action and cut. I feel like if you incorporate a lot of discipline and focus into your work, have a routine to hold onto your sanity, it honestly really helps. Reading a lot of books, watching a lot of films, you know, doing your homework, just working towards it no matter what, because it’s a very uncertain profession, and one day you’re flying so high, and the next day you’re down. I have personally accepted the flow of this profession, and I feel like all the young people who are walking into it should also accept it as a whole, so you know what to expect.
  9. In your film “Captain Miller,” you portray a dacoit amidst a war. How did you prepare for this emotionally demanding role, and what resonated most with you about your character?
    It was quite a challenge. I’ve always wanted to act with Dhanush sir in an action and a period film, so all three of my dreams came true through this film. There was a lot of work that went into bringing this character to life. With regards to Thenpasiyar’s personality, I feel like there’s a lot of me in her. Of course, I had to learn other techniques like action and bike stunts, and there was no body double used in the film. I had to wear a war saree and fight, and endure all of that. The climatic conditions were really tough, making shooting incredibly challenging. Many people ask me how difficult it was to fight with sarees, ride bikes, and do stunts. Honestly, in my head, I haven’t done anything that no one has done before. People like Phoolan Devi and Velu Nachiyar wouldn’t be concerned about getting tanned or wearing a war saree; their concern would be surviving the war. So, I had to genuinely remap my mind and constantly put myself in their shoes in order to portray Thenpasiyar survival in such a setting. It was a beautiful and enriching experience for me.
  10. What was it like working with Dhanush on the film “Captain Miller”? Did his experience and acting style influence your own performance in any way?
    Dhanush sir is a phenomenal actor, and as I’ve said before, I’ve always wanted to work with him. He’s one of the best actors in Indian cinema. Typically, heroines get very few days to collaborate with a big star. Fortunately, in this film, I had almost eight months. I had the opportunity to watch his work up close and learn a lot. I can’t pinpoint one thing that I’ve learned from him, but I’ve imbibed a lot of energy from him every time I have a scene with him. It was great because I am someone who picks up energy from my co-actor and also gives it. So when he gives in and I give in, that creative collaboration was precious. It was amazing to work with such a brilliant actor and great human being.