"Beauty to me is about my own gaze," Tamannaah Bhatia

Tamannaah Bhatia / Instagram/@tamannaahspeaks

Her debut in Bollywood with Sabha Shamshi's Chand Sa Roshan Chehra in 2005, went unnoticed but undeterred Tamannaah Bhatia believed that acting was her calling and moved over to the South Film industry where she found her footing. 

Having given many blockbuster hits with A-List actors of the South, Tamannaah tried blurring the gap between South and Bollywood, but it remained a distant dream. It was in 2015 that Baahubali: The Beginning broke all the barriers for Tamannaah. The film went on to become a blockbuster globally and the 

Bollywood industry made a beeline for her. 

Today the actress is busy juggling between South and Bollywood projects. The actress has also taken the OTT industry over, with some interesting work there too. Her latest, Sikandar ka Muqaddar being one of them....

You started off with Bollywood but luck didn't favor you, did you feel South films were the ticket to Bollywood? 

I never had a portfolio and I did a film when I was 14 years old called Chand Sa Roshan Chehra in 2005, needless to say, I was very raw. Times have changed and I have evolved since. I would say I have been groomed in the South. I can't say working in the South gets you a ticket to Bollywood. I got good offers from the Tollywood industry and so I opted for films out there. Having said that, there is one thing that makes a difference when you are an established name down south, You do not have to face any auditions or screen tests here. I went to the south, without any preps, I was a clean slate, but after having worked there, I have it in me to traverse the boundaries and not worry about the consequences, as I have my back up!

What kind of cinema attracts you? 

I don't really have a type of cinema that I like or am attracted to. I strongly believe that one never knows which film will give you the opportunity to showcase yourself in a different way. I want to do all kinds of films. I would love to do films which are different. Honestly, I think the biggest reward is watching how the reel you and real you blend and get reflected on screen. I am a simple girl and family is important. 

If parents were not supportive I would have never been an actress even. So my world is very limited around them so that's why commercial cinema, which is usually far removed from the real world, is a big challenge. Being larger than life doesn't come naturally to me! And the thing with that larger-than-life, surreal cinema is that you have to convince people that it is real. So that's a true challenge. At the same time, cinema which is calmer, and more emotional also attracts me. So I want it all. 

Do you feel these days we lack good scripts hence films are not doing well at the box office? 

I think film is a collaborative effort. You cannot make any art without collaborative effort. For me a film script is not just a story. Stories for me are an audio medium, whereas like I mentioned, film is a collaborative medium, as one person alone cannot make a film. It needs a team. We need a good director to execute a good script. You need a cameraman, singers, music composers, actors and much more. Therefore, failure of a film cannot be attributed to one aspect of films. 

Quite frankly, we don't know what we are headed for. Technology is moving fast and we are virtually going from content to content in every 10 seconds. Our story telling is trying to catch up with technology. Cultures are mingling with global content, when the pandemic hit many had their lives changing forever. Everything around us has changed so much and so has cinema. I think it's a transitional period for us. I would like to add, it is nice to feel like we are lacking in good stories, if we had too many good stories we wouldn't value it. All in all, this is the age of content, people are getting a chance to showcase their talent. Not only actors but writers and other crew too.

Take us through your process of choosing scripts... 

I cannot tell you that the story has to impress me, or the director has to be good... banner etc. I listen to a script like the audience, I want to forget myself when I am watching something on screen; I don't want to think about my life. Banner doesn't matter, which platform it is going to be aired on doesn’t matter I am on the lookout for such films that will sweep me off as an audience. 

What made you choose Sikandar Ka Muqaddar? 

I am from Mumbai and have worked down South. I have done many roles but this role in Sikandar Ka Muqaddar was entirely different. Neeraj sir brings out the intense scenes very well. I don't like to tear my eyes off the screen. I find it very intriguing to play a role in a thriller. You cannot transform with just makeup and clothes, the language is also important. The mood is also important. I don't want to display my fears because that is not what you want to see on screen. All in all, I thought this role would have helped me showcase a different aspect of my personality, hence I chose it.

Why should the audience watch Sikandar Ka Mukaddar? 

I will guarantee you one thing that when you start watching this thriller you won't stop till the very end. There is an X factor in this film probably Neeraj Sir and it's his vision. I have anxiety problems with my upcoming ventures but I know you won't put this one down. 

A senior actress recently complained of too much violence on OTT?

We are getting a choice about what to choose from what we are given. You have to choose what you want to see, then why complain. 

If given a choice would you want a theatrical release or an OTT release? 

Of course theatrical but I am very fortunate that this year began on a wonderful note I had a theatrical release this year. My Tamil film Aranmanai 4 made 100 crores this year. For a female oriented Tamil film not dubbed in any other language, it's a solo Tamil film making that kind of money in the theatres. It means a lot to me. When films like these do well we know that the audience loves movies. I am very lucky that I am getting to enjoy the best of both worlds. Also it's a great time for me because everything I wished for has come true.

How much importance do you give to music in your films? Your dance number in Stree 2 was a phenomenal hit.

I feel that Indian music is an important factor and it's powerful. I love music and I didn't expect the kind of reaction I received from friends, elders, 
kids, and family. It has created a new bond with my fans. I enjoyed the song and I am glad that my fans have loved me in the song. 

Usually, actresses have to choose to show themselves as glamorous or intense. You on the other hand are enjoying both worlds, how do you manage? 

I look at this very differently. For me, glamour is always about beauty and my own gaze. Even in the item number I am celebrating my beauty. I never look down upon such songs because I love dancing and I am born in a generation where I have the choice to celebrate my beauty rather than looking down upon it or being shy or apologetic about it. So unapologetically I am celebrating my beauty and celebrating my glamour.

That is what the song "Aaj Ki Raat..." was to the audience and I feel like I had that intention when I did the song and it translated into the song. I never looked upon it as something I didn't relate to. Beauty is something I celebrate and I enjoy that. Beauty is something to be celebrated; you don't have to hide it. When women tell me I look beautiful I reciprocate because they don't realize that they are beautiful too. It's liberation so why lose the opportunity? I think one can be glamorous and intense simultaneously, so why choose? 

Dia Mirza had once said her beauty came in the way of her talent, it limited her roles, what's your take on such a thought? 

Beauty and the ability to engage somebody are two different things. I don't think art is just about beauty. It's about something that captivates you. It need not fall into the definition of what complex beauty stands for or for something conventional as beauty. Beauty is also painful, for some, it may be poetic. So I don't think it limits anyone. 

What do you like about commercial films? 

Dancing around trees is something I have always loved and enjoy doing them. I feel it's the most important part of commercial cinema. Heroes and heroines are something to look up to and to be idolized and I have always done that as an audience. Sridevi and Madhuri have been my ultimate favorites.

What next in the South? 

I have a feature that's called Odela 2 in Telugu and has already shot for it, it's a supernatural thriller. I have done a web show called Daring Partners. Colin and Archit are the directors and I am working with Diana Penty on it. 

We have been hearing the news of your marriage for a long time, so what plans? 

Right now I am busy with my work so I have no plans. I am in a happy space. Why change that?