Surabhi, the lucky charm, is back with yet another hit. This year, the nice-looking beauty has had two back-to-back hits - 'Express Raja' in January and 'Gentleman' now. In this exclusive chat with IndiaGlitz, the gorgeous diva talks about why she loved playing Aishwarya in her latest hit, working with Nani, her bonding with Niveda Thomas, her dream actors in Tollywood, and more.

So, how are you enjoying your second success this year?

Watching 'Gentleman' with the audience itself gave me a big high. They were enjoying, whistling, and were so very excited to watch our film. I am loving my character. Aishwarya is a an entrepreneur, a woman of substance. It's a beautifully-written, lovely character. There are three phases to her characterisation. In the beginning, she is very friendly, mingles with people. In Kodaikanal, she is in love and wants to settle down in life. In the third shade, she is unable to cope up with the death of her boy friend. It's very difficult to write such a character.

Would you say that Aishwarya is the most challenging role you have ever played?

It has been the most challenging role for me. As I said, there are lot of shades to it. I could pretty much connect to it. She is emotional and soft. So am I. Some times, my sweetness becomes my weakness. Mohan sir (director) conducted a reading session before the shoot was begun. We were made to read our dialogues and know about our character in depth. That's how I got into that character slowly. That prepared us for it. It's all very memorable and most challenging. I discovered myself as an actor and grew up as one.

Do you think other directors too should follow this approach?

It`s a positive thing. Holding a workshop or a reading session helps a lot. It brings the actors together. It gets them to bond well and to know each other well.

Was there any moment when you felt you should have got to play Niveda's character?

(Smiles) When I met Mohan sir, he told me in the beginning that I was his heroine because on watching 'Raghuvaran B.Tech', he felt I would be the most apt one. If you see the Kodaikanal episodes, they are very unique and unlike what we see in other Telugu films. It was so adventurous and dreamy.

How was it working with someone like Nani?

I have been a great fan of Nani. I have watched all his movies. He is surely on his way to becoming a superstar now that he has got three back-to-back hits. He is phenomenal. He was supportive throughout. I am glad that it was he who suggested my name to Mohan sir. He shared my pics and told the director that I would best suit the role. I thank him for having kept faith in me.

Niveda has said that you are like a sister to her. How come you bonded so fast on the sets?

(Smiles) We started off talking about each other`s films. As both of us have done a few films in Tamil, it was easy to begin conversations. We went about appreciating each other's work. We bonded well just as we did in the intro scene inside the plane.

With two hits already this year, what are your thoughts?

I am on Cloud Nine. It was 'Express Raja' then and 'Gentleman' now. I am glad for all the love and appreciation. I would want to try more challenging roles and entertain all the audience with my acting skills and performance.

You look tender, but you were made to do action in 'Express Raja'. What response have you got for that?

(Guffaws) In that film, Amulya looks very soft from outside, but inside she is very stubborn and headstrong. She can`t take people teasing her. I am happy that the sequence where I beat up eve-teasers with a dictionary became very popular.

It was with a dubbed film ('Raghuvaran B.Tech') that you endeared yourself to Telugu audience. Any plans to do more of non-Telugu movies in future?

I love acting in films. My first break I got in Tamil cinema. They are very welcoming to me. I want to continue working in both these industries.

You have acted with young stars like Sharwanand and Nani. Any heroes with whom you want to work?

(Smiles) It`s a long list. I want to work with Allu Arjun sir, Ram Charan sir, Prabhas sir, Mahesh Babu sir, and Jr. NTR sir.

What are your upcoming movies?

Right now I am enjoying the success of 'Gentleman'. I am listening to a lot of scripts.