Material Girl

Tough and ambitious is how Anusha, who shares the screen with Meghana and Sharmila Mandre in Venkata in Sankata, describes herself

While her director held forth on the film, Venkata in Sankata, she listened in rapt attention. When her colleagues gave sound bytes, she nodded in approval. Anusha, who shares the screen with Ramesh Aravind, Meghana and Sharmila Mandre in Venkata in Sankata, says she surprised herself by her silence during the team's interaction with MiD DAY.

"I was a noisy and talkative kid in school. I would invariably be punished for talking in class. I would be found kneeling outside the classroom for disturbing everyone with my chatter. My mom would ask me if there was some way I could be quiet for at least 10 minutes. You just can't describe me as quiet," she said.

We guess that's reason enough to put her on the hot seat and fire questions at her.

You're a model who forayed into films. Tell us more.
I was extraordinarily tall as a child. When friends asked me about my ambition, I would say I want to be a model. I decided to give modelling a shot because I love to travel and be in the spotlight. Films attracted me for the same reason. I have always wanted to earn name and fame. With modelling, you don't carry your work home. Films are more challenging and competitive. To be honest, I enjoy both modelling and acting. Believe it or not, I have a management degree in Human Resources, but I doubt I would have made a good HR manager!

We've seen you on the ramp and in TV commercials. Which campaign has been your most memorable one?
It has to be the Lays chips ad that I did with Saif Ali Khan. When I won the Miss Beautiful Body in the Gladrags contest I was over the moon. I have worked with big names in the industry like Prasad Bidapa in Bangalore and Lubna Adams in Mumbai.

How would you describe your fashion sense? Do you think Bangalore is a fashion-conscious city?
Fashion, to me, is about clothes that I feel comfortable wearing. A smart pair of denims or a designer saree could make me feel very fashionable. It's good that Bangalore as a city is becoming fitness conscious city.u00a0

Venkata In Sankata has three heroines. Did you end up being best pals with either Meghana or Sharmila? Did they help you with your scenes?
We got along very well. I interacted with Meghana more than I did with Sharmila. After every shot I used to ask her if I was doing okay. We've got to know each other better only over the last few days as we've been travelling together to promote the film. We enjoy each other's company. When I met Sharmila, she was already an established heroine but she's very down to earth.

Is it necessary for a newcomer to have a mentor? Who are the greatest influences in your life - personally and professionally?
You can survive without a mentor, but you cannot survive without dedication, hard work, blessings and good luck. Life has been the best teacher I could ask for. I lost my dad when I was very young. My mother used to work really hard. I decided to pitch in and began working when I was 15 years old. I'm a tough, independent girl.

Movie-time with Anusha

The actress shares her favourite films with HiT LiST

Taj Mahal (Kannada): It's an amazing love story and I'm a hopeless romantic.
Welcome (Hindi): It's such a laugh riot that it can chase away your blues in an instant.
Aapthamitra (Kannada): Amazing acting by Soundarya.
Gejje Puje (Kannada): What a wonderful story and what superb acting by Kalpana.
Jaane Tu Ya Jaane Na (Hindi): A cute love story that shows that one should be mature to fall in love.