 How did you come to films? Films has always been my passion from my school days. I used to take part in cultural activities in school and was never afraid of stage. Next step was modeling. I did Avita chips and Khazana Jewellery ads. At the same time I took part in a beauty contest in Chennai. I was the winner. Seeing my photos the director of Machi approached me and rest is history. Did you groom yourself for a career in films? In fact I learnt swimming, classical dances and car driving. I did lot of stage plays to polish my acting. Your experiences during acting in Machi? The first film was an experience because we were all put through intense coaching by the Koothu Pattarai team. They taught us how to act naturally.
All of us were new but I found it quite easy. The role is more like my real self. Always bubbly and pulling pranks. So it came very natural to me. You are moving towards being a glam doll? There is no harm in doing glamour. Take the case of Sreedevi. She did lot of glamour roles, which made her popular, and yet she has shown her mettle in acting too. She is my role model. Being a Kannadiga it could have been easy to do Kannada films? I think in South India the only place, which welcomes newcomers and gives them opportunities is Tamilnadu. Tamil films are very interesting and innovative.
Your hobbies?
I have eight pups and one cat. I love spending time with them. This Punja added to your name is for films? (laughs) No it is my father’s name.
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