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SREEDHAR PILLAI

Navya Nair has struck gold in Tamil. With three films ready for release, the talented actor is all set to go places.

STRATEGIC MOVE: Navya Nair's decision to try her luck in Tamil films has paid off handsomely.

Navya Nair with the girl-next-door image is one of the leading ladies in Malayalam films who took a strategic decision last year to try out Tamil films. The award-winning actor was just testing the waters, but it seemed to have paid off handsomely.

Her debut film in Tamil, `Azhagiya Theeye' gave her recognition as an actor of substance followed by `Chidambarathil Oru Appasamy' for which she got rave reviews for her performance.

Now she has three films ready for release in Tamil and the first of the lot is `Pasakilikal' written by DMK leader and former Chief Minister M. Karunanidhi, releasing on Pongal Day (January 15). The story reportedly revolves around Navya and she is all excited about the film. After a hectic schedule and dubbing for T.V. Chandran's new Tamil film `Aadum Koothu,' Navya took a break to dwell upon her career. Excerpts

You seem to be busy in Tamil these days. Have you left Malayalam films?

I am getting good offers in Tamil from reputed directors with good subjects and enough scope for me to perform. Today, only good scripts excite me and not the language. There used to be a time when I was adamant about sticking to Malayalam films and most of my well-wishers also advised me not to do Tamil films. But sadly the result was disappointing as I got roles that were neither challenging nor satisfying.

Then, I got this offer from actor-producer Prakash Raj to be the heroine in his `Azhagiya Theeye' with new faces, which gave me a lot of confidence.

It was my stepping stone to Tamil films. But I have not left Malayalam films. I am doing `Saira' written and directed by debutant Biju Kumar. It is a female-oriented film in which I play the title role of a bold news correspondent of a television channel. And in `Kadalpole' I am paired with Sunil.

In Tamil films you have the image of a serious actress. Please comment.

I am very happy to know that. And let me tell you that this image suits me well as there are enough girls to be glamorous. After `Azhagiya Theeye' I did `Chidambarathil Oru Appasamy,' the Tamil remake of Sreeni chettan's critically acclaimed `Chinthavishtayaya Shyamala.'

Initially, I was hesitant to do a role that was made memorable by another actor, but took it up as a challenge. I have not seen the film so far but I am relieved after reading all the rave reviews about my performance. And all the three films that I have completed are not the typical run-of-the-mill commercials but slightly off-beat.

There is a lot of hype about `Pasakilikal' releasing for Pongal..

Yes... the film has grabbed a lot of attention as it has story, screenplay, dialogues and lyrics written by M. Karunanidhi sir. My character is the pivot around which the story revolves. Prabhu and Murali (Tamil heroes) play my brothers who are very possessive about me and it is an emotional drama.

But there is criticism that you have also turned glamorous in the film.

(Laughs) A still of me in a pavadai taking a dip in a river was splashed in Tamil magazines and they wrote that `Navya has turned glamorous.' Let me tell you that it is one of the scenes in my introductory song in `Pasakilikal' and there is nothing vulgar about it. I know my limitations and as a heroine I am committed to my job.

Tell us about T.V. Chandran's Tamil film `Aadum Koothu,' in which you have an amazing role?

I consider myself lucky and blessed to be a part of Chandrettan's `Aadum Koothu,' which has been completed. I worked very hard for this period film in which I play Manimeghala, a girl who gets intuitions and sees crimes before they really happen. I worked with great actors like Cheran, Prakash Raj and Manorama. Madhu Ambat is the cameraman and the film was shot in Kuttralam and Tenkasi.

What are your plans?

I am 20 now and I plan to be around for another four to five years. I am a very relaxed person with no tensions. I hope to complete my graduation in English Literature this year. Though I have done about 25 films, my role in `Nandanam' will remain close to my heart and I consider myself blessed to have done that role as Guruvayoorappan is my favourite deity. I will continue to do Malayalam and Tamil films depending on the script.

Your next releases?

`Pasakilikal' is releasing for Pongal. `Amirtham,' again an off-beat film, in which I play an Iyengar girl who is a classical singer and is directed by Kannan and `Aadum Koothu' is complete. I will be doing a new film to be directed and produced by Cheran. I am getting a few good offers from Telugu, but I want to establish myself in Tamil first.

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