It’s exciting to see South films taking the spotlight: Rukmini Vasanth
Rukmini Vasanth shot to fame after her role in the two-part Sapta Sagaradaache Ello. Since then, she has bagged exciting projects not only in Kannada cinema, but also in Telugu and Tamil. The actress believes that South films are making their presence felt more than ever today. “After KGF, Kantara and Pushpa and a whole lot of films including Malayalam films, South cinema is getting special attention from Bollywood. It was refreshing to see filmmakers like Karan Johar and Konkona Sen Sharma discuss their appreciation for my film, Sapta Sagaraadache Ello. Today, it’s the Indian film industry and the North is getting exposed to films from the South. It’s exciting to see audiences across the country discovering diverse stories and cultures through cinema. It’s a healthy trend that fosters a richer national film scene.” In a chat with us, she talks about navigating fame, finding her footing across South industries, and more. Excerpts:
‘Life changed drastically, after I entered films’For the actress, fame has come with new opportunities but also a few caveats. “Life has changed and I’m so grateful for all the opportunities that have come my way. The recognition has been wonderful, but it does make it slightly tricky when I go to public places. My mom definitely worries whenever I’m out alone,” says Rukmini, and adds, “If movies didn’t work out, my Plan B was to become a Montessori teacher.”
The actress believes that entering films at the time she did has been extremely lucky. “This is a great time for women in filmmaking. The rise of female directors in the industry has been incredibly encouraging to see. We need more women behind the camera, not just in front of it,” she says.
‘When I’m working in other languages, my focus is to deliver my lines flawlessly’“I remember watching Parvathy Thiruvothu’s interview after her Kannada film, Milana. Despite being a Malayali, she spoke fluent Kannada with so much passion - it was admirable. I told myself that if I did films in other languages, I must make an effort to speak in that tongue. So, during my first Tamil film, my primary focus was delivering the lines flawlessly. Now, on my second Tamil project, I’m pushing myself further, aiming to not only speak the language well but also deliver a nuanced performance. People on the sets of both my Tamil films have received me so warmly. There are talks happening in Telugu too and as actor, one can’t be more elated — going beyond borders with your craft is always gratifying,” says Rukmini.
‘I feel homesick when I don’t do Kannada films’“It’s Kannada films that put me in the foreground and showed me what it is to be an actor. It’s my home and where I come from. Yes, there are multiple films happening outside and I enjoy the process of learning a new language and its nuances. But while I’m there I also feel homesick about not being part of a Kannada film, at that moment! I’m happy about being part of Bagheera and Byrathi Ranagal,” she says.