'Sudeep cooked for all of us '

Debut project

Actor Amala Paul could not have asked for a better launch vehicle in Sandalwood than ‘Hebbuli’, in which she is paired opposite Sudeep.

Firm about the fact that she wouldn’t sign a project unless she is able to emotionally connect with the character, Amala says she saw a lot of herself in her character in ‘Hebbuli’. Add to that the allure of working in a new language industry and it became an exciting proposition.

In an interview with Nina C George, Amala talks about her interests and her journey so far.

What made you sign ‘Hebbuli’?
I’ve been getting offers to act in Kannada films for a long time but the dates never worked out. I was on a break when the offer for ‘Hebbuli’ came by. I was impressed by the story and my character.   

Tell us a bit about your role in the movie?  
I play an MBBS student who helps Sudeep in fulfilling his mission. Though it is not a very intense or performance-oriented role but the audience will instantly connect to  the character.

On working with Sudeep...
Sudeep is a wonderful human being and has now become a very dear friend. He and I would have long conversations which could be about anything under the sun. Sudeep cooked for all of us when we were shooting in Kashmir. Mutton is the only non-vegetarian dish that I eat and he was kind enough to make some delicious dishes in mutton for me. He also made some delicacies in fish and prawns for all of us when we visited him in Bengaluru.

What is your criteria for choosing a project?
I choose only those characters that I can to connect to on an emotional level. I believe in my instincts. The moment a character is narrated to me, I begin visualising it.

Why haven’t we seen you in many glamorous roles?
When I step out of my comfort zone and work on a character, I want to be able to justify why I am doing that. I really liked what Vidya Balan did in ‘Dirty Picture’. It was very bold character. I wouldn’t mind doing something similar, provided it is shot aesthetically.

What is your biggest support system?
My passion for my work and my inner strength keeps me going. My biggest strength is myself because I am not someone who gives up on something easily.

How do you handle gossip and criticism?
I am my biggest critic; I am very hard on myself. I like people who give honest opinions since that helps me grow as a person and an actor.

What are your other interests?  
Travelling energises me. Last year I trekked to the Himalayas and this year, I’ve planned to go to a similar place with my friends. I also enjoy travelling solo.

Your mantra to stay fit...
I am not a very gym person and I don’t believe in intense workouts. My running and yoga keep me fit. I stay away from sugar and use jaggery as a substitute. I eat everything that I like but without going overboard.

Do you travel to Bengaluru often?
When in school, my friends and I would travel to Bengaluru on the weekends. It was a cool place to hang out back then and continues to be so. Some of my closest friends living here.