Hi Pranita, Welcome to Tollywood ! Obviously,you must be excited. Yeah, very! I’m just so kicked about my projects.It’s been an awesome start and I can’t wait for things to come. Everything & everybody are so professional here. It just gives you a whole new perspective into how movies are made.

You play the role of a village belle in ‘Bava’. Tell us something more about your role.
My character’s called Varalakshmi. She is a very bubbly, fun-loving village belle. I had lots of fun doing it because it was a total new experience for me playing the part. I’ve been a city-bred girl all my life. So, doing stuff that I’ve never done before in my life like wearing langavonis,getting to see the jataras and all that jazz was pretty exciting.

You’re paired with Siddarth, the chocolate boy of the Telugu industry…
[She immediately interrupts] Yeah, that was one of the coolest things ever.I’ve always had a huge crush on Siddarth! When I first got the role,my friends went all J on me and were like, “Wow! You’re working with Siddarth”! But in spite of his image & superstar status, he is really friendly. He just has no hangups whatsoever.He always made me feel comfortable. He used to give me tips & suggestions and helped me out with my shots and stuff. And it’s just wonderful to see him in action.

There are a lot of rumors surrounding you that you only want to work with big stars. Your comments…
Okay, I don’t even know who came up with that. When I was working on Porki, all my dates and schedules were full. And I had a clause in my agreement that I wouldn’t sign other movies till Porkireleased.And this is exactly what I told people when I was approached. I just don’t understand how this got misinterpreted.

Well, there’s no dearth of big stars here in the Telugu industry. Who would you like to work with next?
[Laughs] Well, if I make a list now, you’ll say, “there, she made a list with only big stars in it”. And people are going to bitch about me. So I guess I’m going to pass. ButI look forward to working with veterans like Prakash Raj because I know I can learn a lot from just watching them.

You must be happy with the way things are shaping up in your career… What’s it been like so far?
It’s been real awesome so far.Touch wood. I got good reviews for my acting in Porki. I’ve been signed on by good banners, working with great technicians. That said,I’m having fun every bit of the way but at the same time, learning a lot which is important. Right now, I just want to concentrate on my work.

Was it easier playing the village belle in 'Bava' or the glamorous role in 'Porki' ?
Well, what if I said both weren’t easy.Because I’m neither of those in real life! I’m just a plain city girl. I’ve never been to villages. And neither am I the glamorous outgoing girl. That’s the wonderful thing about acting. It lets you play roles that are outside your personality. It’s tough but you learn to do it.

Okay so how many takes do you usually get the shot right in?
[Laughs] It doesn’t take too many, don’t worry.

Movies are getting bolder lately. Would you do a kissing scene if required? Your take…
The answer may sound clichéd but it really depends on the script & the kind of movie it is.

Will you do a Murder if it comes your way? After all, it was a genre changer & look at where it put MallikaSherawat today*
Definitely. I wouldn’t want to restrict myself to any roles and I want to try all kinds of genres out. There’s more to me than an image of a bubbly girl. And I want to break that mould.

What will you look for in a script?
Right now, since I’m just 2 movies old,I really am not in a position to choose. I’m just glad that I’m getting the right offers so far. Interesting scripts, the chance to work with great technicians, I’m just counting my blessings.

Eventually Bollywood?
Frankly, I’m not thinking that far right now. I just want to go with the flow.

How do you deal with all the adulation & fan base coming your way?
It’s a nice feeling. People recognize you on the street ∧ it makes you go “Wow, I’m famous!”

[Grins toothily]

Let’s go back to how it all began. How did acting happen?
I was asked to audition for Porki when I was modeling in Bangalore. And the rest, I hope, will be considered history.

A day in the life of Praneetha…
All the free time, I spend with my family and friends. And I don’t party out much. I’m quite the ordinary girl in this aspect so there’s nothing interesting that you can write about me here [winks]

Tell us something about your childhood…
Well, both my parents are doctors and I am an only child. But I wasn’t at all pampered as a kid. So I warn you, don’t put the spoilt brat tag on me. I was always pushed to study and was expected to become an engineer, if not a doctor. But fate had something else in store for me that nobody expected.

Imagine you’re a soothsayer. What does your future tell you?
[Thinks for a second before saying] Okay, my imagination sucks. I just want to take each day as it comes. I do not want to think about the future right now.

A message for your fans…
Thanks for loving me. Watch my movies. I’ve worked real hard. Keep supporting me and I won’t let you down.

TOP THREE THINGS

3 things that you look for in a man – Honesty, Loyalty & a sense of humor

3 things you will take when marooned on an island – Cellphone, Laptop & my best friend

3 favorite movies of all time – Taal, Pokiri&Bommarillu

3 favorite songs of all time – Unfaithful by Rihanna, Hook Me Up – the Veronicas, Cry me a River – Justin Timberlake

3 foods you cannot live without – Chocolate, Bangalore Dosa&Dhokla

3 things you want to change about you –

    * My sappy emotional side
    * I need to learn to say No
    * I can become very touchy about small issues.