2020 helped get my focus back, says Roopa Rayappa

The actor has started shooting for a comedy film

Last year was challenging for all, even for Kannada actor Roopa Rayappa. She is all excited now though, as she’s joined the cast of the film ‘One Cut Two Cut’, starring Danish Sait.

In a candid chat with Metrolife, she reveals more.

You got many film lovers emotional with your role in ‘KGF’. How has life been after that?

I got a lot of emotional roles after ‘KGF’. I didn’t want to take up those roles as I was scared of being typecast. I waited to get a substantial role, which was not high on emotions.

Last year was challenging for all. What were the different projects you were involved in?

It was quite a challenging ride for all of us. 2020 was an eye-opener for me. It helped me get my focus back, I was a bit confused after ‘KGF’ and wasn’t sure where things were headed.

Last year helped me focus on the kind of roles and projects I wanted to take on. During the lockdown, I put myself out there on social media and posted short videos, which helped me attract similar roles. This got me noticed.

I’ve finished two Hindi web series for a soon-to-be-launched OTT platform, a Telugu project, and am working on two Kannada films now.

How did ‘One Cut Two Cut’ happen?

I honestly don’t know. But I’m guessing it was because of my short videos on social media. I did some with my political views that grabbed a lot of attention online. When the director called me, he was confident I would be able to do justice to the role.

Tell us more about your role.

While I can’t give away much, I can say that I play a woman who is bold, fierce, and not scared of doing anything. She’s not afraid of doing what she truly believes in.

The tone in which my character speaks and her mannerisms are unlike what Roopa does, so I had to work a lot on it with the help of my director.

How has the experience been to work with Danish Sait?

I was super nervous about working with Danish. Once I met him on the sets and we started working together, it has been a wonderful experience.

I don’t feel any pressure working with him. Sometimes we improvise and rehearse, which has worked great.

Is comedy a genre you wanted to explore?

My favourite genre is comedy. I love comedy and I always wanted to try it. I’m a huge fan of Jack Black, Ben Stiller and Will Ferell films, and Amy Poehler and Tina Fey fan.

What are your goals ahead for 2021?

To keep working and to let go of all my inhibitions, and be more fearless in my choices.