Captured by the script

Fresh face

Her cute face lights up the screen and she has done some interesting projects in Tamil, Telugu and Hindi industries. Young actress Vega Tamotia made her debut in the Southern industry first and did Tamil films like ‘Saroja’ and ‘Pasanga’, which earned her rave reviews. Her Hindi film ‘Chittagong’ also premiered at many festivals before she worked opposite noted comedian Vir Das in ‘Amit Sahni Ki List’ last year.

This year, she has a lot more to offer to cine-goers. Her short film ‘Love Comes Later’ was selected for the 54th Semaine de la Critique of the Cannes Film Festival while on the commercial front, she has also been busy shooting with Ajay Devgn and Priyanka Chopra for ‘Gangaajal 2’. “This year has been crazy and I have had a lot of fun,” exclaims Vega. “I started with a bang in South and gave three back-to-back hits. Now, my focus is on Bollywood and English cinema.” 

Vega plays a pivotal role in Prakash Jha’s ‘Gangaajal 2’. “We recently began shooting in Bhopal. I play a strong-willed village girl named Sunita who always stands up for her rights. She acts as a catalyst for the way things shape up,” she says. Shooting so far has been wonderful, she notes. “It’s a fun and relaxed shoot. Everyone has this notion that Prakash Jha is an uptight and strict director. But to my surprise, I realised how chilled out he is. He is always joking with everyone. However, he is very punctual and likes to start and finish on time. He likes to wrap the scenes up fast,” she says. She is excited to work with well-known names like Ajay Devgn and Priyanka Chopra. “As an aspiring actress, I have seen many of their movies,” she notes. 

She also went to the Cannes Film Festival this year to promote her short film ‘Love Comes Later’. “It was a crazy experience. I had promised myself that I’d go to Cannes only if I had a film to promote and that turned into reality,” she says. “It was amazing to be in the midst of so many talented people. I have fallen in love with the place and would love to go back again someday,” she adds.

And it’s not just acting that beckons her. Vega is also producing a series of culturally-relevant films for children.

For her, signing a project is all about going with the instinct. “If the script captures my attention in the first five minutes, I feel I should do it. I also look for basic things like the production, team etc.” 

She has had her share of ups and downs in the industry but describes her journey as an “incredible one”. Has it been hard making a mark in the industry being an outsider? “I don’t know what’s it like to not be an outsider. I don’t know how easy or difficult it is for the children of actors or producers to make it. But if I go back and were to start all over again, I would definitely make the same decisions,” she says.