Destined to act

Down south

I first met actor Amulya at a store launch and came away impressed with her poise. Well at 22, she carries herself remarkably well. And when I catch up with her for this interview almost a month later, I find her as approachable and easy-going, making this conversation seem like a breeze.

Amulya has made appearances as a child actor since 2001, and her first movie was Parva. She also appeared as a child artiste in films including Chandu, Laali Haadu, Maharaaja, Mandya, Kallarali Hoovagi, Tananam Tananam, Thimma, Namma Basava and Sajni. So my first question to her is whether acting in films was something she always wanted to do.

“It was my parents’ decision really, not mine. As a child, I was interested in dance and extracurricular activities, and my parents were keen on showcasing my talent on the right platform and so I got into films.” She debuted as a lead actor in the 2007 release Cheluvina Chittara. She quickly followed it up with films including Chaitrada Chandrama, Premism, Naanu Nanna Kanasu and Manasology.

Big strides

So how hard was it to make the transition from child actor to lead heroine? “To be honest, it was not difficult as I never felt any difference. However, after I did about four films, I started interacting with a lot of my fans, and then I started thinking differently. I was always a director’s actor and had not given creative inputs from my end. But soon, I started thinking about what my fans expected from me. From then on, I felt responsible towards my fans, and I had to give better performances for them. I learnt more about the artistic side of acting. In fact, it was in Gajakesari that I essayed a glamorous role for the first time.”

Amulya gained a lot of critical appreciation and box-office numbers for her 2013 movie Shravani Subramanya, and won several Best Actress awards as well. With three releases in 2015, Amulya has a busy 2016 as well. She has had two releases — Maduveya Mamatheya Kareyole and Krishna-Rukku so far this year.

Her upcoming film, Maasti Gudi is in the pre-production stages, and is likely to be out soon. So keeping up with a busy schedule must be a task. “I had quite an experience last year. I was totally unprepared, as I was shooting for three films at the same time. Although things got a little crazy, it was a learning experience for me. However, I am hoping to focus on one or two films at a time now.” In fact, the actor has not signed on any other projects, and is awaiting the release of her next.

When asked about her criteria for choosing films and scripts, Amulya explains, “I always look at my character and assess how I can project it on screen. I should be able to do justice to the role, and unless I am confident I can do that, I don’t say yes to the script.” Incidentally, she hopes to be able to do all kinds of work — a mix of commercial successes, performance-oriented roles and off-beat movies.

Having started off as a child artiste, it is commendable to note that Amulya has completed her graduation managing both studies and films with a rare aplomb. “For seven years, I did both. It was certainly not easy, but once I put my mind to it, there was no turning back.” Also having earned an award for best actress in her first film as a lead heroine, Amulya says that awards bring in additional responsibility. “This kind of appreciation brings with it the need to do better work. For me, audience appreciation comes first, and then awards. However, it is a great way to acknowledge a job well done, and makes for a memory that lasts a lifetime.”

Having done so many films to date, Amulya says her dream role is to play a historical character. “I am a bharatanatyam dancer so I am hoping to play the role of a dancer or act in a period film.” Currently, the young actor has set her sights firm on a career in the Kannada film industry, and is happy with the roles she is being offered. Amulya candidly admits that she is a lazy person and likes watching movies. However, on sets, she is always focused and engrossed in her character. And looking back at her body of work, it is safe to say that Amulya knows her craft, and continues to hone it to reach greater heights.