She’s best known for her skillful dancing and item numbers, but Tejashree wants to change that. She told Behindwoods that she feels confident of playing convincing heroines if only they would let her. A trained Kathak dancer, she plans to start a dance academy in Chennai to promote Kathak. She came across as sincere, dedicated, open and cheerful.

 
 

“My new movie will totally change my image”

What movies are you starring in now?

Tejasree: You’ll are just cutting to the chase? Just asking me what movies I’m starring in now? Aren’t you going to ask me how I am, etc?! Okay, I’m kidding. I’ve just done part of a shoot for a movie called Brahmadeva. The movie is completed actually, but I don’t know the release date yet. This is a very special movie to me. I’m not just doing some items numbers, but I’m the heroine of the movie. I’m saying this very proudly. It’s a very homely role. Never thought I’d get a chance to play something as down to earth. It’s directed by Dharmalingam. He wrote the story – which is very good. The hero is Dr.Ram –previously he was in Kattuveeeriyan - he’s a very talented actor. I have other very good co-stars. The theme of the movie is a little different. I think I can show my true talent in this role.

Is there at least one typical Tejasree item number?

No, that’s the thing. It’s very different. In fact, there’s a very melodious song. But no kuthu pattu, etc.


How did you come to be a good dancer?

Basically I am a Kathak dancer. My entire family is Kathak dancers. My father and sister have a dance school academy. Here in the South not many people know Kathak, so I’m hoping that I will be able to promote it. It is very beneficial, health-wise. In the future, I want to start a dance academy here.

What languages are you acting in?

First I was puzzled by Tamil. It sounded strange, my mother tongue being Marathi. But look at me now: I speak it fairly well, no? I’m acting Kannada, also Marathi movies. Even Gujarti. But in Tamil I have the most number of movies.

  

“I’m an artist. I’ll do whatever the role requires. ”


Did you get the roles you wanted?

First of all, in college I had no idea I would be an actress. Certainly never thought Tamil movies! But each movie, each song came, I just took it. If not me, someone else will take it, no? I was confident of being a dancer. Not really my choice, but I enjoy acting, and enjoy watching others act. I never minded that I was second heroine. Actually, I’m not really an item girl though that’s what I’m called often. I do mostly smaller characters, and very few item songs. (Laughs) Perhaps after Bramadeva, my image will change.

Why did you get stuck with this image?

I don’t know. I think they just decided I’m good for glamour, not homely roles. Like a college girl. But I am confident that I will do straight forward roles. Being an artist I can do anything. Dancing, singing. But I want to change this image. I’m not angry or impatient anymore. I’m just improving my Tamil, learning to be patient, waiting for my turn to be a full blooded heroine.

Why don’t you play more characters like Something, Something?

Well, I just told you. I’m an artist, and I’ll take whatever role comes my way. I just have to deliver.

“South India is very lucky for me”

  

We heard you’ve begun a hotel business?

(Laughs). Yes. My brother had done hotel management in the U.S. My parents missed him so much, and we thought let’s settle down here and start a hotel. In Goa we run a good restaurant. We cater to many international hotels. It has just started, but we have good plans to make it a South Indian specialty hotel. Like dosas. South India is lucky for me.

Will you leave acting to manage the hotel?

No, no! Even managing a hotel is a sort of acting, right?!

Your favorite actors?

So many. Everyone has a talent. They all have struggled. I appreciate that very much. But if I have to name a few people: Jyothika, Simran, Nagma, SriDevi, Soundarya.

Why don’t big actors recommend smaller actors?

Oh, I don’t know. The industry is competitive. Everyone wants to be on top. But still, in the South Indian industry every one is helpful to the other.

Whatever happened to that movie with Vivek?

Vivek is superb in the movie. Like an action hero. I don’t know why the movie is delayed. I too am waiting.

Many new faces come in Tamil and then disappear. Why?

I think nowadays things have changed. In the old days acting used to be a difficult – especially for women. Families didn’t like it. Actresses had to fight for it. Today families are broadminded, and the girls do it as a hobby! One or two movies, make some money, then leave and settle down.

How was your life abroad?

Hmmm…I like all countries. I do a lot of shopping. I eat a lot.

Marriage? Love?

Just thinking of a career now. Need to prove myself. My parents often ask when, I’m going to get married.

What are your current projects?

Two stories are confirmed. One will begin this month.

The director?

Not now. Will tell you when the right interval comes!

Anything else you’d like to share?

Yes! Greenpeace. I want to say something because I feel strongly about it. Global warming. I’m very involved in Greenpeace, I worry a lot about global warming. People don’t realize how serious this is. As the days go by, pollution is going to destroy everything we cherish. People are dying just from extreme heat and cold. We should all learn more about this. Please know more about it. This is my request. Thanks so much.

 
Director Perarusu Ravi k Chandaran G.V.Prakash Director Sasi S. P. Jananathan Director Venkat Prabhu
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