Lady Amitabh Vijayashanthi has a remarkable career of 40 years where she acted with 60 Heroes. She even became a Hero and ran the show in some films. She made her re-entry with ‘Sarileru Neekevvaru’ after 13 years. Vijayashanthi is saying that Superstar Mahesh Babu starrer ‘Sarileru Neekevvaru’ is the real Blockbuster for this Sankranthi. On this occasion, she shared about her role and her exp[eriences with the film in a media interaction. Here’s the interview.
What is the reason for choosing ‘Sarileru Neekevvaru’ as your comeback film after 13 years?
— Many asked me to act in films. I didn’t have time then as I was quite busy with Politics. Acting needs time and I don’t want to struggle in allotting time for films and politics. Earlier, Anil Ravipudi garu approached me for a film. I didn’t agree to do it. Now when he approached me again for this film, I have time and Mahesh babu is the hero. I listened to the story and liked it. So, I did this film and today people are also liking it.
You have returned to acting after a gap. How did you feel?
— Acting is not a new thing for me. I had done this for 40 years. The actors change but the cinema remains the same. I still have the same touch in acting.
Did you miss the film industry?
— I never felt that I am missing the industry. I worked for many years acted in great films. I wanted a break from it. It’s not an easy task as a Telugu girl to withstand and reach star status in this industry. The audience supported me and God helped me.
Tell us about the response you are receiving for your role in ‘Sarileru Neekevvaru’?
— I did a powerful role in the film. My role is getting a very good response. Many from other language industries too are calling me and asking me that the film has become a big hit. The lady audience will love this film. They instantly get connected to it. Right from the first day, many women are calling and are saying, ‘Ramulammaa, once again you made us cry’. Bharathi’s role is very dignified in the film. It should be balanced throughout the film without going over the top and at the same time, it shouldn’t be underplayed. My dialogues with the villain connected very well with the audience.
You have acted with Superstar Mahesh after a long time. How did you feel?
— Mahesh was a kid while we acted together in ‘Koduku Diddina Kapuram’. Now he is a Superstar. The way he spoke to me and embraced me on the first day made me very comfortable. Mahesh is very humble. I will never forget the way he supported me during this film.
You have created a very good impact on professor Bharathi’s role? how did you manage it?
— We have to play a different kind of role for every film. My role in ‘Prathighatana’ will be very calm from the beginning but reacts violently in the end. In Sarileru Neekevvaru, my role will travel along with hero Mahesh babu’s role. In one scene, Hero salutes me. It is because of the stature I have as an actress, the audience accepted that scene.
Tell us about the scenes between you and Mahesh Babu?
— I laughed a lot while the director narrated me the story. The story begins through my role in the film. Then Mahesh enters the story. Mahesh acted with a very unique timing in this film. He did dances and fights superbly. Our combination scenes came out very well and everyone is feeling emotional while watching them. ‘Suryudivo Chandrudivo’ song is so beautiful.
About the big success of ‘Sarileru Neekevvaru’
— ‘Sarileru Neekevvaru’ is the real blockbuster film for this Sankranthi. The film is like ‘Pandaga Bhojanam’ with all the ingredients.
You debuted into the films with Superstar Krishna gari film and now you made your re-entry with Superstar Mahesh’s film. How are you feeling about it?
— I feel I have a special bond with Krishna gari family. I never thought that I would make my re-entry with Mahesh Babu’s film. I am very happy.
What do you like the most about ‘Sarileru Neekevvaru’?
— The director Anil garu highlighted that everyone should act responsibly towards society and the country. Everyone should have a responsibility and play their role in creating a healthy atmosphere. Many ghastly incidents are taking place in our society. We should respect women. It is not our culture to act violently towards women. Anil garu said very good things in this film.
How did the shoot go?
— I was reluctant to act in films. Thanks to Anil garu for making me act in this film. The film has very good casting. We all enjoyed while shooting for this film. We laughed a lot during the shoot. There is a lot of pressure in Politics. But, I felt very peaceful while acting in this film.
About Director Anil Ravipudi?
— I am heartfully saying as an actress who has an experience of 40 years, Anil will surely become a very big director. When I listened to this story, I thought how can he manage such a huge film. But, he is very cool and composed. He made this film very quickly with very good clarity. I watched his Patas, Raja The Great and F2. All of them have very good comedy and emotions. He can handle ‘Osey… Ramulamma’ kind of film too. I wish he will do a heroine oriented film like ‘Karthavyam’, ‘Prathighatana’ with me.
About remuneration?
— I have taken the highest remuneration during the ’90s. Mine is the highest remuneration after The hero in this film too.
You have inspired many people with your films. How do you feel about it?
–It’s an honor to play the roles which inspired many people. Many joined the police force after watching ‘Karthavyam’. Many have named their children as Vijayasanthi. When I met a police officer who nabbed a culprit taking a high risk, She said ‘Karthavyam’ is her inspiration to become the police and her name is Vijayashanthi. What more can I expect as an actor? I will be forever indebted to the people who made me what I am today.
About your interaction with Megastar Chiranjeevi garu during Sarileru Neekevvaru pre-release event…
— It’s a great experience meeting Chiranjeevi garu during the Sarileru Neekevvaru event. It didn’t expect that he would mention politics. We both have sorted out the small differences during that event.
What kind of roles do you want to play?
— I won’t do usual roles. It should be prominent and have weight in the film. I don’t want to do normal roles which will reduce my stature among the audience as an actor. I want to do powerful roles.
