‘ Varudu Kaavalenu ‘ Is A Nice Love story With Touching Human Emotions – Heroine Ritu Varma
Ritu Varma who shot to fame with ‘Pellichoopulu’ and ‘Kanulu Kanulu Dochayante’ with Dulquer Salman is not only known for her beautiful looks but also for her impressive performances. Now she is coming as ‘Bhoomi’ in ‘Varudu Kaavalenu’ along with Hero Naga Shourya. Shivakumar B had a chit-chat with Ritu Varma for IndustryHit as the film’s release is around the corner on Oct 29th.
You were Miss Hyderabad and approached Director Maruthi’s Office for an audition. I was there at that time. You told me that it was your first audition. How do you define this journey?
– It was an experience. I was supposed to do that film. But, somehow it didn’t work out. Maybe it didn’t work out due to the right reasons. Destiny… is what I call. I feel extremely grateful. When I came to the industry I was very naive. It took some time for me t get adjusted to the way of talking here. I have learned a lot and become a stronger person. It’s been a great journey. I did some good films. It’s a great feeling that people remember me and people talk about my choice of films. I feel like I have created a space for myself. I am extremely proud.
You said you were a tomboy as a kid. Your characters resemble some shades of it. You play characters with similarities. How do you feel about it?
– I outgrew being a tomboy long back. I feel like I play today’s generation girl. My mother was an independent working woman. I saw my aunts like that. I come from a family of educationists. My dad is a banker. my mom owns a school and she is still running it for 20 years. My father’s sister is a doctor. I grew up watching strong women. Choosing such roles also is very natural for me.
What was the influence that made you decide to become an actor in the first place?
– I actually didn’t decide. I m an actor by chance. I think it was in my destiny to become an actor. I did a short film ‘ Anukokunda’. Then, I started getting a lot of film offers. So, one thing let one other and I am here now. As I kept doing films, I think I am getting more and more serious about my work. I am really passionate about cinema.
What would you become other than an Actor?
– I did my engineering. I worked as an analyst in an MNC. Then I ad plans of going to the US for further studies. But, know that I couldn’t do the desk job. That is not me at all. I am a very creative person. If not an actor I could have been a graphic designer or Interior Designer.
Now the season of Bio-pics is going on. What is your view about a Bio-Pic?
– I think it’s a way of telling stories about eminent personalities. We are very curious to know about their life stories. It is an amazing way to tell stories because in India especially Cricket and Cinema are two fields people worship like anything. What is a better way than a Biopic to tell the story of such people?
What is that particular character you are waiting to do?
– It could be a biopic or a period love story. I love the 1950-60s era. I am very athletic as a person. I would love to do an action film.
On what basis Ritu Varma judges a script?
– I go with my gut feeling. Definitely, I need to love the script. I won’t do anything half-heartedly. Now I am in a position of getting so many scripts and I can choose one among them. I am very thankful for that. Money is not my first priority. For me like my inner peace and happiness is important. I would love to work with a passionate team.
Sowjanya is a first-time director. How is the working experience with a debut director?
– When you look at my filmography. I worked with many first-time directors. My equation with first-time directors has always been good. Although this is her first film, Sowjanya garu has a lot of experience. She worked with Krishna Vamsy garu and Sekhar Kammula Garu. She got a very nice team. Producers were involved and supported very much for this film. Chinnababu garu worked at every level for this film. He took utmost care.
Many times you think about a particular question which you think you might face during press interactions. What is that? What is the answer to that?
– It’s about marriage. I saw memes linking me to my first film ‘Pellichoopulu’ and now ‘Varudu Kaavalenu’. That’s one question I wanted to avoid actually.
Usually, female actors’ career span is less. Already you have lost two years due to COVID. How do you cope up with the lost time and pressure?
– During lockdown it affected us a lot. Heroine’s career span is very less and when you lost two years without your involvement, it’s very sad. In Hollywood Meryl Streep is still working and she is still doing big roles. Hope things will change in the south too.
What is the importance of dialogues and lyrics in Varudu Kaavalenu?
– It’s a love story. Not everything can be conveyed through dialogues. Some things need to be conveyed through songs and some through expressions. So, everything needs to fall in place. Dialogues are really good and they are the soul of the film. I have really some amazing voiceovers as this film is from a girl’s point of view. Songs are very pleasant.
How do you balance failures and successes?
– Failures do affect me. But, I have a great support system with family and a bunch of friends. They are my constant support. They help me get over it. Success makes me happy but it doesn’t get to my head. Success only motivates me to do better.
Where do you see Ritu Varma in the coming years? Actress or a Performer?
– I am a performer. But, as an actor, I would love to explore everything. I am in a really good space right now. I am getting to do feature films in multiple languages and then with OTT I can explore so many opportunities.
Any plans for working behind the screen?
– Not at all. I think I am only good at acting. Direction is not my cup of tea. I feel like it is a very hard job. I have huge respect for Directors and every technician.
What do you do in your leisure time?
– Luckily I am quite busy since 2019 except for lockdowns. Apart from that, I have been working non-stop. But, when I am free I don’t like to do anything. I just sit at home watching TV and movies that I missed. I like painting. It was always a hobby while I was at school and college. For some reason, I stopped it these days. I don’t know why. But, I picked it up again during the first lockdown. It brings me peace. I love food and traveling.
You are a Telugu-speaking actress. There are many Telugu girls wanting to make it big in this industry. What is the one thing you want to tell them and their parents?
– I think it’s the fear of failure that stops them. The fact that everybody keeps telling that Telugu girls won’t get many opportunities might be stopping them. We should stop looking at Industry as controversial. It’s a very safe industry to be in. I worked with very nice teams.
How do you conclude ‘Varudu Kaavalenu’?
– It’s a nice Love story with human emotions. It Subtlely conveys certain messages. It has great visuals. There is a lot of freshness in the film. ‘Varudu Kaavalenu’ is such a kind of film people will enjoy among audiences in theatres.
