Bhavana

Bhavana
Of the lovely ladies from Kerala, including Asin, Nayantara, Gopika, Sandhya, Navya Nair and Renuka Menon, Bhavana has carved a place for herself in Tamil cinema. With her first film in Tamil, 'Chithiram Pesuthadi' turning out to be a hit, she is a busy lady currently with 'Veyil', 'Arya', 'Kizhakku Kadarkarai Salai', 'Deepavali' and 'Naan Kadavul'.In conversation with her...
How were you introduced to cinema?I have wanted to act in cinema ever since I was in school. The reason being that my father was a cinematographer for several Malayalam movies. While accompanying him to the sets, I used to wonder how it would be to be an actress.The dream led me to learn dance. Even if I didn't pay too much attention to my studies, I used to pass in all my exams. While studying in the tenth standard in Thrissur, I was given the opportunity to act in the film 'Nammal' under Malayalam director Kamal. I had a very different character in the film. I played Parimalam, a Tamil girl who lived in a slum. I had to blacken my face for the role. A few people teased me saying that I had blackened my face for my very first film and was sure to have a dark future in cinema. I did not let that bother me and acted bravely. After that several films came my way. I acted opposite the leading stars of Malayalam cinema, Mamootty, Mohanlal, Prithviraj and Dilip. It was at that time that I got the opportunity to act in 'Chithiram Pesuthadi'. After the film became a hit, I became a busy actress in Tamil.
What do you think about the world of Tamil cinema?I am overwhelmed by the welcome and the respect I was given here. All the technicians, directors and producers in the Tamil film industry give me respect. When I did 'Chithiram Pesuthadi', I could not speak much Tamil. Now I am able to converse in Tamil and am learning to read and write also. I get letters from fans in appreciation of my acting. They make me very happy. When I was acting in Malayalam, I had the desire to act in Tamil. Now that wish has come true plus I am doing several interesting roles. I feel honoured.
Can you tell us about the films you are doing in Tamil now?I am acting in 'Naan Kadavul' under Bala's direction. Just like in 'Nammal' in Malayalam, I am acting with black makeup. I play the role of a blind beggar girl. Bala is an excellent director and I am proud to be working under him. Arya plays the hero.I am also acting in 'Veyil' being produced by director Shankar on behalf of S. Films. I play Meenakshi, an innocent girl who is terrified of everything. Bharath has been cast opposite me in this film.Under S.S. Stanley's direction, I am acting opposite Srikkanth in 'Kizhakku Kadarkarai Salai'. I am acting under director Ezhil in Lingusamy's production, 'Deepavali'. I have a very different role in the film and Jeyam Ravi has been cast opposite me.I am acting opposite Madhavan in 'Arya' as a medical college student. A character who earns a name as being a rowdy because she is so mischievous. All my roles are very different.When I start doing a film, I become one with the character. As far as Tamil cinema is concerned, doing good roles in my goal. Several people have told me how Tamil cinema gives livelihoods to those who come seeking it. Though I am doing some films in Malayalam, I am concentrating on Tamil now.There are several Malayali heroines in Tamil now. We can learn the language very easily because there are no great differences between Tamil and Malayalam.Tamil cinema has given livelihoods to many Malayali heroines. I am glad to be one of them.
People say that you have come as competition to Trisha...Oh no! Nothing like that. Some people have told me that my face and features are like Trisha's. Also, I have not come to act as 'competition' to anybody in Tamil. I only want to be myself. No one can fill another's place. Everyone has their unique skills. These help them become leading heroines. Similarly, I want to use my acting skills to become a leading heroine. I don't want to compete with anybody. I only want to make good use of the opportunities that come knocking on my door.No one can snatch those away from me, she says laughing.