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Photo: M. Srinath

Versatile Actor with immense potential

From a drug peddler in ‘Pithamagan,’ to a wily woman in ‘Uyir,’ and a mother of two in ‘Evano Oruvan,’ Sangeetha has chosen her roles with utmost care. And her current assignment ‘Dhanam’ (under-production) in which she plays a call-girl is an ample-proof to the actor’s keenness to do varied characters.

“I take my time before accepting an offer. There is no deliberate effort on my part to do only roles that are different. But I choose the best that comes my way,” says Sangeetha.

As was the case with Vikram and Surya, the Bala factor has played a crucial role in Sangeetha’s career too. And no wonder she is all praise for the director.

“Bala is a great teacher and among the few who possess an uncanny knack of bringing out the best in an actor. Being a Bala fan I accepted the offer to act in ‘Pitamagan’ without knowing much about my role. He proved that he is a person whom one can rely upon,” she says with gratitude.

Having worked with some seasoned directors, Sangeetha does not have any qualms working with debutants. ‘Uyir,’ was directed by newcomer Sami and again in ‘Dhanam,’ Shiva wields the megaphone.

“Only after ‘Uyir’ I got the confidence to do heavy roles. And director Sami was instrumental in making my character reach the people. Even in ‘Dhanam,’ Shiva has done a very good job. I find no problem working with new-comers, only thing, they should be clear in what they are doing,” she says.

Sangeetha is also happy that she is considered more for heroine-centric subjects and feels that it gives her more scope to perform. “It’s too early to say that the audience have started to accept heroine-based films. But things are moving in the right direction. Lot of directors approach me with such subjects and I am really glad. Still a long way to go, though,” she adds.

Does doing matured roles affect her chances of being paired with younger heroes? “I am a mother in ‘Evano Oruvan’ and am playing a college girl in a Telugu film under production. I never think on those lines. I have done enough of a glam doll. Let me try out something different.”

On ‘Dhanam,’ Sangeetha says that she was approached by director Shiva after ‘Pithamagan’ hit the screens.

“I was not confident of doing such a meaty role at that time. But later, film editor Lenin convinced me to take up the challenge. The film crew comprises excellent technicians and it was great working with them. Dancing for maestro Ilayaraja’s compositions was a great experience,” she says.

Sangeetha enjoys her role as a hostess for the game show ‘Kaasu Mazhai,’ on Raj TV as it is fun to interact with people. “Many say that once you move out of the silver screen you run the risk of losing opportunities. Some even threatened me but I always did what interested me most,” she says.

Her association with the small screen continued with the dance show Jodi No.1 (season 2), for which she was one of the judges. “There was not much to separate between the finalists as all the three pairs danced well. I could not be part of the final episode because of my tight schedule and it was disappointing,” she says.

So, what after ‘Dhanam’? “I am listening to scripts but have not decided yet. I have to finish a couple of films in Tamil and Telugu. I am planning to take a small break and come back fresh,” she smiles.

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