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Simply Shriya

With an impressive line-up of films, actor Shriya is the new toast of Kollywood, says SREEDHAR PILLAI

Shriya is the new flavour of Kollywood, ever since she became Rajnikanth’s heroine in Shankar-directed ‘Sivaji.’ Overnight she became the most happening girl in Kollywood, with the best banners and the pick of the superstars featuri ng opposite her – Vijay in ‘Azhagiya Tamizh Magan,’ Vikram in ‘Kandasaamy’ and other big stars trying to adjust their call sheets to suit her dates! No other actress in recent times has created such a big impact in Tamil films. And with Asin shifting base to Bollywood, Shriya rules the roost in Kollywood.

Her USP is her North Indian looks which our South Indian audience love — flawless skin, perfect figure, beautiful smile and, above all, that touch of class. She is a trained Kathak dancer and is literature graduate from the Lady Sriram College in New Delhi. Added to that, Shriya has proved to be lucky with her last release ‘Tiruvilayadal Aarambham’ turning out to be a surprise super hit that also resurrected the career of its hero Dhanush.

The Haridwar-born Shriya Saran did her schooling at the upmarket Delhi Public School, where her mother Neeraja used to teach chemistry. Her mother is the biggest influence in her life and was instrumental in training her to be a Kathak dancer. Says Shriya: “My mother likes the sound of the ghungroo and was particular about my dance classes. I trained under Kathak exponent Shovana Narayan. Looking back, I realise how much my training has helped me, as our films are full of songs and dance which I enjoy doing.”

Shriya, like all other young people, while studying at Lady Sriram, started modelling which led to a music video that was noticed by a Telugu producer who cast her in ‘Ishtam’ (2001). The film, however, bombed. But it was Nagarjuna’s smash hit ‘Santosham’ (2002), that got her recognition in Telugu. From then on there was no stopping her, and she was paired with all the top guns such as Chiranjeevi, Venkatesh and Mahesh Babu. So far, she has done 22 films in Telugu, including five special appearances.

Then she strayed into Tamil with Jayam Ravi in ‘Mazhai,’ that went unnoticed at the box-office. Then she got a call from director Shankar. She says: “One day, I got a call from Shankar sir who said he had seen me in ‘Mazhai.’ He said he was impressed with my looks and performance. He asked me if I was interested in being Rajnikanth’s heroine in ‘Sivaji.’ I could not believe it and immediately jumped at the opportunity. Then I came down to Chennai and met Shankar sir who said I did not need any make-up or screen test. He also gave me some DVDs of Rajni sir’s films and I watched all of them. I believe that ‘Sivaji’ was destined to come my way.” In ‘Sivaji,’ her screen name is Tamizh and she wears pavada-davani and is said to be a bubbly character. Shriya is in awe of the superstar Rajnikanth and says: “Rajni sir is truly a living legend in Indian cinema. I have never seen so much respect amon g the massed for any other actor. Thanks to him, I too am getting a lot of attention from fans and colleagues.”

Shriya is now shooting with the other superstar Vijay for ‘Azhagiya Tamizh Magan,’ where she plays a college student. Later this month, she will start the shoot for ‘Kandasaamy’ with Vikram. As of now, she plans to sign new films in Tamil only after completing her present assignments.

Shriya is also keeping her options open in Hindi where she has ‘Awarapaan’ with Emraan Hashmi (she informs us that there are no kissing scenes!), a film with Bobby Deol and Nana Patekar.

When asked, what makes her so happening, Shriya says with unbridled pride: “I am 54 kg. I eat well and am crazy about Thai cuisine and seafood but I’m particular about my work out too. I work out for at least 45 minutes every day. I believe it’s not keeping body in shape but fitness that matters. And during my spare time, I read a lot (her favourite authors — Paulo Coelho and Brian.L.Weiss).”

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