Aranmanai star Hansika talks about acting in her first horror film

By Latha Srinivasan

She started her career as a child actor on TV in the show Shaka Laka Boom Boom, played one of the kids in Hrithik Roshan’s Koi Mil Gaya and is today one of the most sought-after actresses in the South. Hansika Motwani – Hansu to those who know her – earned a Filmfare Award for her debut role as a leading lady in the Telugu flick, Desamuduru. The 23-year-old is currently basking in the glory of the success of her latest Telugu release, Power with Ravi Teja, and says she’s excited about her new Tamil release, Aranmanai.

Tell us about Aranmanai

Aranmanai is the one of the most difficult scripts for me and it will probably be the most challenging for me. I’ve been through a lot for this script. I play a village belle - for the first time - called Selvi.

This is the first film you’ve done in the horror genre…

This is a comedy-horror flick. The fact is I don’t watch horror films. In fact, it’s been 12 or 13 years since I last saw a horror film. Doing a horror film is a big thing for me – I don’t even know how I am going to watch my own film!

What made you choose the role of Selvi?

To be honest, it was only the director, Sundar. When he approaches me for a role, he doesn’t narrate the script. He tells me, “Hansu, you know I can’t narrate!” I have worked with him earlier in Theeya Velai Seiyyanum Kumaru (TVSK). I remember when we were shooting in Hyderabad for TVSK, I asked him, “Sir, what’s your next film?” He said, “I am doing a horror film.” The next thing I knew I was a part of his film! He just told me, “Hansu, trust me, you will be known for this film and this character.”

You’ve always played the sophisticated, urban girl in romantic roles. Selvi is diametrically opposite.

When I walked onto the set for the first time, director Sundar was like, “Oh my god, how am I going to make this girl look a villager?” But he did it very well! When I look at myself onscreen, I can’t believe the transformation. I had to really work on myself and it turned out well. I am one of those actors who don’t take work home – I prefer to be spontaneous on sets. But this time, I was a little shocked with what Sundar told me and all the references that were shown to me. It took me some time to digest it all. This was the first time I had ever asked a director for time off from the set. I spent 15 minutes [in my caravan> digesting it all and then came back to shoot. It was easy then onwards.

Two films with your ex-boyfriend actor Simbu are lying incomplete. What’s the status on Vaalu and Vettai Mannan?

It’s not about my dating Simbu. Even after our break-up, I have kept mum and I have done a show with him. I did allocate dates for Vaalu but unfortunately, they could not use the dates. Right now, my schedule is fully packed and if they need days, they will need to talk to my other producers for dates.

You’re one of the top actors in the South film industry today. Is there a lot of competition? I think everyone who comes into the film industry has a place and I believe that my only competition is me. This year I have back-to-back releases – Power in Telugu; in Tamil it’s Aranmanai, then Meaghamann and then Romeo Juliet, and Vaalu. I think I’m very fortunate and I don’t look at competition because I’m too busy competing with myself.

Bollywood not on your agenda now?

I’ve rejected many Bollwyood offers. My hands are full with south films and I enjoy working in the south film industry.

Every year on your birthday you adopt girls and support them but you don’t talk about your social causes

Like you said, I really don’t like talking about the social causes I support because people think you’re a star and you’re doing charity to show off. I still have many plans and I’m working towards it but I still don’t want to talk about it.