Gauri G Kishan is about to make her Telugu debut with the upcoming film Sridevi Shoban Babu, which is set to be released on February 17th. Here is an exclusive interview of the actress, ahead of the film’s release.
Tell us about your beginnings
When I was studying, I auditioned for 96. I have a dance background. First year college I got the part. people loved the character and recognized me very well. Sridevi Shoban Babu is different, giving me a different identity other than Jaanu.
What made you want to be a part of the movie?
It’s a unique character and i could see the kind of scope the script of the film had. i want to play unique characters
How was it playing a character close to your reality?
Headstrong yet sensitive. this is because i was raised in Chennai
How was it working in Telugu film industry?
The biggest compliment is that people are saying that I now look like how Samantha looked in Ye Maya Chesave. now my responsibility is to do good films and give back the love I got from Telugu audience
What’s the difference between when you were balancing your education and films, and now, when you’re only focused on work?
I wanted to be a journalist. i was very academically oriented ,but it got tough after a certain point. I completed graduation. I kept getting work and now i am focused on acting, like learning the languages i act in
How was it working with Santosh and Naga Babu?
Santosh’s choices are unconventional. I call him the Ayushmann Khurrana of Telugu. he was my super senior in college. we immediately became good friends. Santosh is a very effortless actor. he’s very hardworking worked with Rohini in a Tamil film. i was nervous working with Naga Babu, but he was very encouraging. he was extremely accepting and welcoming of me.
How different was it to have a woman at the helm?
Sushmita was a team player. she was very down to earth and hardworking. she helped me a lot with my dialogues. she was very warm and my go to person. she was highly approachable, and was there on the set everyday. she never even interfered with the director’s vision.
How did you get a lot of following on social media?
After 96, my Twitter and Instagram following exploded. I did not do anything in particular. I am as real as I can, and it is just like my portfolio.
Any words about Tollywood, and who is your favourite actor in Tollywood?
Ram Charan is my favourite actor in Tollywood. I’ve been keenly following his work. The Telugu industry has shown what can be done, it set the benchmark. We all look up to the industry. Malayalam actor Prithviraj once said he wants to do for Malayalam what Rajamouli sir did for Telugu
How was it working for a commercial movie for the first time?
I was scared of overacting, but I followed my director’s vision, which made it easy for me.