The Hindu : Tamil Nadu News : For Banupriya family comes first now

Online edition of India's National Newspaper
Sunday, Oct 01, 2006
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Tamil Nadu

Tamil Nadu

For Banupriya family comes first now

S.R. Ashok Kumar

"Now, I am a happy housewife taking care of my husband and child"

Actor Banupriya. — Photo: D. Gopalakrishnan

Banupriya is an actor who has featured in some really good films, and one who continues to choose her roles carefully. She talks about her experience in filmdom, her favourite artists and her domestic life.

I am a simple person ... more of a family bird. I am definitely not a chatterbox, and my circle of friends is rather small. At present, life is all about husband Adarsh Kaushal and daughter Abhinaya Kaushal. Music and dance are my passions.

My schooling was in Saraswathi Vidyalaya. Every day after returning from school, I attended dance and music classes.

On retrospection, I think it was my participation in dance performances at annual school events and various competitions that gave me the confidence to act in films. I am obliged to my dance guru, S.P. Anand, not only for helping me win prizes and honours, but also for my break in films, in an indirect way. When my guru celebrated the annual day of his dance school at the Music Academy, the chief guest was director K. Bhagyaraj.

I was called for a make-up test to act in the film `Thooral Ninnu Pochu'. But, I did not act as the director and others felt that I was too young ... I was only 14 then.

Later, when I was scheduled to give a dance performance at an interschool competition I got to meet actor Sowcar Janaki. When I got the prize, she asked me whether I was interested in acting in films. When I was in my teens, I decided to act in films and dropped out of school.

Bharathi Vasu gave me my first break in the film `Mellapesungal'.

After my debut in a Tamil film, an offer came my way for the Telugu movie `Sithara'. It was an ideal film for any newcomer to prove her talent. The film had a dance background, and all the ingredients to make it a wholesome entertainer. It also won a national award. After the Telugu film I did not look back.

I have done nearly 175 films, including 80 Telugu films, 30 Tamil, 5 Kannada, 7 Malayalam and around 15 in Hindi.

Among my favourite movies in Tamil are `Azhagan', `Araro Ariraro', `Porantha Veeda Poguntha Veeda', `Aaha' and `Gokulam'.

I entered filmdom in 1984, and I am still acting in films. If the director thinks that I am suitable for the role, and if I find the role exciting I will accept it. Family responsibilities leave me little leisure time. I like Jyotika, and Simran for her dancing skills. My favourite actors are Vijay, Vikram and Suriya.

Now I am a happy housewife taking care of my husband and child. They are my world, and I now live only for them.

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