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The next step

Chitra Iyer will appear as a dancer in Lenin's `Rathrimazha'

STEPPING INTO A NEW ROLE Chitra Iyer

Playback singer Chitra Iyer will soon make her debut as an actor in Lenin Rajendran's film `Rathrimazha.'

She will appear as Mohini Balachandran, a teacher of contemporary dance. Says Lenin, "Her lively stage programmes told me that there was an actor in her. She lives the lyrics when she sings and her expressions convey the meaning of the song. That is why I decided to cast her in the film."

During the shoot of the film, Lenin learnt that Chitra had learnt dance as a child and was also active in theatre while she was a student in Kasaragod.

"We were part of a troupe called `Yavanika' in Kasaragod. My father, a scientist, was posted in the research centre there and so I did my college in Kasaragod. I had a blast there ... theatre, sculpture, painting, cinema... ," recalls Chitra who is now based in Bangalore.

Chitra went on to become a playback singer and her theatre days remained confined to her albums.

Despite her theatre experience, Chitra says that the offer to act in Lenin's film came as a surprise, a pleasant one.

"It came out of the blue. I was under the impression that he wanted me to sing in his film. But it was a pleasant surprise when he told me that I would be acting in his film."

Chitra, who has worked with Lenin in his earlier movie `Anyar' says, "I have always admired his work. So, it was a pleasure to work with him, this time as an actor. I only wish he had told me earlier. Then, I would have gone for some classes to hone my dancing. It requires stamina and so one needs to be fit."

Her co-stars in the film are Vineeth and Meera Jasmine. Although both of them are seasoned actors and Vineeth a talented dancer as well, Chitra emphasises that they never made her nervous.

"On the contrary, they helped me with suggestions and encouragement. Vineeth told me how to hold my posture, utilise the space and so on. It was a great experience," says Chitra about her debut in films.

Was this her first offer to act in films? "No," she says, "I was offered one when I was in college. Then I was not sure I wanted be a part of the film crowd. Now, I am more confident and so I certainly plan to accept roles if they come my way but only if I am comfortable with my characters," she says.

SARASWATHY NAGARAJAN

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