Ritu Varma on playing a rural character opposite Nani in her upcoming film, and why strong on-screen women should be the norm rather than the exception
If there is any similarity between the characters played by Ritu Varma so far in Telugu and Tamil cinema, it would have to do with portraying confident, strong on-screen women. Think Runaway Telugu Hits Pelli Chopulu (2016) Or Con-Comedy Kannum Kannum Kollaiadithali (Tamil, 2020) or Avrum Nanum – Avlum Nanum section in tamil compilation Putham Pudhu Kalai (2020). Grown up with confidence. Independent women around him, he can’t understand why women who speak their mind should be awkward on screen. ahead of his new telugu movie Tuck Jagdish, which will premiere on Amazon Prime Video on September 10, Ritu Varma discusses her film choices and what it takes to play a rural character in the film Shiv Nirvana co-starring Nani.
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Interview excerpts:
For the first time ever, you are part of a story set in a rural setting. was this one of the reasons for taking Tuck Jagdish?
Yes, that was apart from the fact that it is a Shiva Nirvana and Nani movie. I am playing the character of Gummadi Varalakshmi, a village revenue officer. She is authoritative and yet there is an innocence about her. My part is more than just a heroine and it all blends seamlessly into the story. The characters of women are strong in Shiv Nirvana films and this will be no different.
Was there a need for a change in attitude to play the rural character?
I was born and brought up in Hyderabad and I haven’t explored rural culture. So this film was new and exciting for me. We were on a busy schedule and I couldn’t mingle with the locals (Tuck Jagdish was filmed in Pollachi in Tamil Nadu and East Godavari region of Andhra Pradesh). I think costumes, hair and makeup play an important role in helping a character come into being. The director’s inputs helped me learn the necessary body language and dialogue vocals. We started with the first schedule in February 2020.‘Inkosari’ Songs in surprising places. This song gave me a chance to sing and dance like a mainstream heroine, which I don’t usually get.
You’ve been lucky to get characters that aren’t like the heroine, right?
I have been offered roles of strong women and I feel it should be a norm rather than an exception. If it’s written well I’d love to explore a variety of characters, even a normal mainstream heroine. In the end, I am an actor and I should be able to fit into any role.
you worked with nanny yevade subramaniam (2015). When you work with a co-actor after a few years of experience in cinema, is the dynamics different?
Ritu Verma and Nani in ‘Tuck Jagdish’
this is. I was new to cinema and I had a small role in it yevde…we shared a good work experience but didn’t talk much. This time, I got to know him better as a person. I noticed that when he speaks, people listen. I have grown as an actor and a person as well. I could see that the director, the DOP (Director of Photography) and others on the set were happy with the scenes in which both of us were involved. I’m going to be greedy and say I wish we worked together again.
you are getting one Much more recognition in the last two years than before. Do you get better role offers now?
Kannum Kannum Kollaiadithali I was greatly appreciated. I am filled with gratitude when new age Tamil directors tell me that they have written a character in my mind. Me . I enjoyed working Putham Pudhu Kalai, Dhruv Nachtiram, ninilla ninilla And Tuck Jagdish. in telugu i have varudu kavalenu And ok ok jeetham; I have also signed a new Tamil film with Ashok Selvan, which we will start working on in October. It is still a struggle, but I am offered more interesting projects than before.
In earlier interviews, you said that you were not happy with the projects that came your way Pelli Chopulu. Was it difficult to hold back after the huge success of the film?
This was a period when I struggled to explain to my family, friends and industry people why I was not keen on the projects being proposed. I was told I needed to capitalize on success Pelli ChopuluBut how do I do something I’m not happy with? There was so much noise around me that I had to cut. I like to be myself, whether it’s in the movies I choose to do or the things I do every day. For example, I don’t always try to look perfect for photos when I go to the gym. There are days when I request photographers not to take pictures of me.
What helps you reduce the noise around you?
My family and close friends keep me grounded. When I’m not on a film set, I paint, sketch, cook, travel or just can’t do anything.
In varudu kavalenu, you are playing the role of a woman who is 30 years old and unmarried. A few years back, such a character was considered risky in Telugu cinema.
That thought never entered my mind. I liked the story and the character and agreed. I have never gone by instructions on what would seem safe or risky.
What are your plans for September 10th?
i will be watching Tuck Jagdish With my family and close friends. My mother is my biggest cheerleader, I hope she likes the film. I will be waiting for audience reactions as the film will be streaming across the world.
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