Sibling trio set to share screen space

Sisters making a debut is a rarity in any film industry. Three siblings taking a bow together is, perhaps, unheard of. Vainidhi, Vaisiri and Vaibhavi, children of actors Vijayalakshmi Singh and Jai Jagadish, consider themselves fortunate to be able to step into the world of cinema together with their launch vehicle titled ‘Yaanaa’, meaning journey. 

The trio say they could relate easily to every scene in the film, which is directed by their mother and popular actor Vijayalakshmi. In an interview with Nina C George, they share their excitement about working on their first project. 

Did you think your foray into the film industry was a natural choice, considering your parents are actors?

Vainidhi: I have always wanted to act. Maybe having a  family related to the industry just helped me get closer to my dream. 

Vaisiri: I have been watching and learning a lot about the industry from my parents. Acting is my passion. I don't know if this industry would be in my favour (fingers crossed!) but few years down the line, I don’t want to regret not trying.

Vaibhavi: Becoming an actor was a natural choice because I have grown up in a family of actors, directors and producers.  

What is the first thing that struck you about ‘Yaanaa’? 

Vainidhi: The story is based on a journey. The script is very interesting and I’ve been excited to start working on this project with my sisters ever since I heard about it. There’s so much energy about the whole thing. 

Vaibhavi: ‘Yaanaa’ documents an amazing journey and I want to make this the beginning of my journey in the film industry.

Vaisiri: This is the first time the three of us are acting together and are being launched under our banner. I am thrilled to be a part of this journey. 

Would you call it new-age movie? Why? 

Vaisiri: It is a fresh subject and anybody who watches it will be able to connect with the characters.  

Vainidhi: It is a new-age subject and I am sure the youngsters will love it.

Vaibhavi: This is a subject which has never been explored before in the Kannada film industry. New stories are being accepted now. I am waiting to see how the audience will react to this. 

How is it to work with your mother as your director?  

Vainidhi: She’s very calm on the sets and gives us the freedom to make little additions and improvise on our characters. She’s well-informed about today’s generation and it’s preferences. She helps bring out the best in us. 

Vaisiri: At home, she’s our mother but on the sets, she’s a thorough professional. She believes in our talent more than we do and makes sure everybody is comfortable. 

Vaibhavi: I have worked with my mother before in ‘Ee Bandhana’ but this would be my first film as the lead. It's not an easy job to work with six newcomers but she has been very patient with us. 

The most challenging part of working in this film...

Vaisiri: The most challenging part was having the tag of being the children of actors. There’s so much pressure and we have to live up to everybody’s expectations. 

Vaibhavi: I have to keep reminding myself that I would have to deal with constant comparison with my sisters. So, I am going to give it my best shot and hope to keep moving forward. 

Vainidhi: Every day has been a learning experience and I’ve understood that focus, dedication and hard work is the only way forward.