Features: Magazine | Literary Review | Life | Metro Plus | Open Page | Education Plus | Book Review | Business | SciTech | Friday Review | Young World | Property Plus | Quest | Folio |

Sassy `n' spunky

There is thin line between exposing and looking glamorous. It is important for an actress to look enchanting, Kamna Jethmalani tells P. SUJATHA VARMA

PHOTO: RAJU. V

FLAUNTING DISTINCT CHARM I want to be cautious while selecting films

She keeps the fizz alive wherever she goes. As a child, she was bubbly and naughty. Eldest among three siblings, she felt jealous of her younger brother who was pampered by everybody at home. "So disturbed I was by the cosseting that I put a hot iron box on his hand one day," she recalls with a chortle that adds charm to the diminutive stature of this up and coming actress. Kamna Jethmalani is a childish girl who revels in the spotlight. Basking in her newfound identity in the tinsel world, she is a hot property on the circuit. Her gamine charm goes well with the bubbly image of the actress when clad in jeans but when draped in the six-yard wonder, she oozes feminine magic.

Mama's advice

It takes no time to realise that fatigue is an illusion created by the mind in the company of this actress who sits pretty for a zestful chat after a long arduous drive. "Donning the grease paint to face the camera was not my childhood dream," she comes to the point instantly. "I was a very good student in school. I took up a few modelling projects while pursuing a course in textile designing, as I always wanted to be a fashion designer. But my mother was keen to see me as an actress. When opportunity knocked, she said I would be a fool if I declined the offer and so, I signed on. But, touch wood! No regrets till date," she flashes an infectious smile.

Distinct charm

After doing three films (Premikulu, Ranam and Samanyudu) she chose to gyrate to O chilaka ra na chilaka, an item number in Mahesh Babu-Trisha starrer Sainikudu. Explaining her choice, she says: "An item number is an added attraction which lends a spicy touch to the film." She confesses that initially she was nervous about sharing the screen with Telugu cinema's hottest names - Mahesh Babu and Trisha. "I am dying to work with Mahesh Babu and NTR and I admire Trisha for her versatility. She looks so cute when she makes those funny faces." Being from north, isn't she keen on an entry into Bollywood? "I did get an offer but I turned it down because I was required to wear a bikini. I know I can never feel comfortable wearing one," she reveals adding in the same breath: "For a moment, I was tempted but I dropped it when my mother said she was strictly against the idea."

Kamna feels flattered when she is referred to as chinna Sridevi. "I simply adore the screen goddess. Even if I am able to deliver a wee bit of the Sridevi magic, I would think that I have lived my life," she gushes. Speaking about life in Telugu film industry, the actress says it is her second home. "I do miss my family and home food but people here are warm and friendly and don't make you feel out of place." Parties are a big no-no for her but "I am a shopaholic."

Chilling out

Talk of holidaying peps up her mood. "I am not the kind to escape into humdrum sleep and groggily get my nose back to the grind. I would rather switch off my mobile phone and chill out with friends in Goa, my favourite holiday destination," she says stroking her golden locks.

Kamna has not showcased her talent in a big way nor any of her films have set the cash registers ringing at the box office, but she has a stunning presence and her ability to live life energetically, enthusiastically and fully will take her places.

Printer friendly page  
Send this article to Friends by E-Mail