After Engineering, it was difficult to convince my parents about films Samiksha
In a bubblegum pink top and slinky trousers, Samiksha looks hot. Arya's understated grey shirt is a striking contrast to his buoyant mood. Both being model-turned-actors, there's plenty they've learnt from the charm school. And it shows in their walk, talk and camaraderie with the camera.
After the runaway hit "Arindhum Ariyamalum", life has changed overnight for the duo. They're still zapped by the attention they are getting. Arya will soon see the release of his "Oru Kallooriyin Kadhai." Another three films are slated for release next year. Samiksha is all set for her Bollywood debut.
In the stylish Business Bay Lounge at GRT Grand, the two switch to casual mode, and there's plenty of jesting and jousting for T. Krithika Reddy to record.
Arya: Come on yaar, come closer, you're not doing a portfolio. Don't be scared. I shot you in "Arindhum Ariyamalum" because the role demanded it. Since I was the antagonist, I felt bad I didn't have a heroine. The worst part was when I had to shoot you. I was a bit sentimental. Okay, say something.
Samiksha: (Pause) Hmmm... .
Arya: The journo's tape is like a producer's film reel. Don't waste it.
Samiksha: So, do you have heroines in your other films?
Arya: Yes, I do. Okay, tell me, you've done Tamil, Telugu... What next? Kannada? Malayalam? You've managed without knowing the language. So you're good at doing things you don't know?
Samiksha: Yes, by taking the plunge, you learn.
Arya: That's nice. What about your Hindi debut?
Samiksha: Yes, this week. I'm signing K. Ravishankar's film. It's a realistic script. What kind of characters would you like to do?
Arya: More than characters, I want to do films (laughs and continues). In "Arindhum Ariyamalum", though my role had negative shades, there was a sting to it. Moreover, I was totally convinced by director Vishnuvardhan's talent.
Samiksha: Yes, I know, even on the days when you didn't shoot, you showed up.
Arya: (Laughs) Now, that's going to give them ideas. Tell me, how often do you come to Chennai from Mumbai?
Samiksha: Ever since I started shooting for "Arindhum Ariyamalum", I fell in love with Chennai. I wish to settle down here.
Arya: You're looking for some movies or some guy? (Samiksha's surprised) Listen, the tape's running.
Samiksha: Now since you've brought it up, I'm thinking of the second option too.
Arya: Okay, there's something other than modelling that we have in common.
Samiksha: Yes, engineering. But I did Electronics, you, Computer.
Arya: And now, I'm perhaps the only Computer Engineer who hates computers. I don't even use the mail or chat!
Samiksha: It was tough to convince my parents. People think showbiz means a short career. But there are so many avenues to explore. Aren't we blessed to be in a field that entertains people?
Arya: Absolutely. So when did you pass out? 1997?
Samiksha: I know what you're coming to. I'm not that old. Guess you're in your late thirties...
Arya: Twenty-two-and-a-half.
Samiksha: Were you born on February 29 that your birthday comes once in four years? (They both are in splits)
Arya: Were you good in studies?
Samiksha: Yes, topper. We used to have a good time. (In confessional whisper) Students even carried slips to exams.
Arya: Slips? You mean bits? Now, I know what you mean when you say you survive on your own talent? Is that what you do when it comes to dialogue too?
Samiksha: (Clenching her fists) Now, now, come on, tell me about your other film "Ullam Ketkume".
Arya: That was actually my debut. Though it took a long time to release, it turned out to be a hit. And having come close on the heels of "Arindhum Ariyamalum", it proved to be a double jackpot for me.
Samiksha: So your time has come. You believe in destiny?
Arya: Yes.
Samiksha: I just listen to the predictions, but don't go by them. We're in a profession where unpredictability is the norm...
Arya: And with so many actors coming in, have you felt insecure?
Samiksha: But work is also growing, isn't it. What about you?
Arya: You can't ask the same question in Take Two. I should have prepared a 'slip' for you... (Laughter)
Samiksha: Pakao
Arya: You always call me that. Is that slang from your native Chandigarh?
Samiksha: It means someone who is irritating. Someone who literally cooks you.
Arya: But I thought I was interesting. Okay, where do you chill out?
Samiksha: On the sets.
Arya: But that's bad for the producer.
Samiksha: Shooting is fun. Tell us about your next month release "Oru Kallooriyin Kathai".
Arya: It's a campus-based poetic romance. Less dialogue, more emotions.
Come on, fast. Has success changed you?
Samiksha: It has only made me more sensitive.
Arya: Why, who gave you a bad time?
Samiksha: What about you?
Arya: Success brought me money and energised me. Other than that, only my name has changed. I'm pretty much the same Jamshad.
Samiksha: You're a fitness freak...
Arya: I just have a workout routine. I was an athlete. But I can't give health tips. Because I'm strictly non-vegetarian. My tips will be expensive — in terms of money and calorie. (Laughs) So how do you chill out in Mumbai? Are you that quiet, family-type who goes to bed early — at 5.00 a.m.?
Samiksha: No, I hardly party. I love shopping. I'm also busy with some commercials. I've just done some ads, including Nalli Silks, VBJ and Sunsilk. Okay, where do you see yourself five years from now?
Arya: At GRT doing another Take Two. But not with you.
Samiksha: You... Pakao
Arya and Samiksha: Bye Take Two (They scream together into the recorder and make a happy exit)
< ="text/" src="http://pagead2.googlesyndication.com/pagead/show_ads.js"> < name="google_ads_" src="http://pagead2.googlesyndication.com/pagead/ads?client=ca-pub-2298245133082339&dt=1198777133171&lmt=1175799407&at=120x240_as&output=&correlator=1198777133171&channel=4203001480&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.behindwoods.com%2Ftamil-movie-news%2Fmay-06-03%2F17-05-06-samiksha.&color_bg=FFFFFF&color_text=E6E6E6&color_link=A9501B&color_url=E6E6E6&color_border=FFFFFF&ad_=text&ref=http%3A%2F%2Fmail.google.com%2Fmail%2F%3Fui%3D2%26view%3Dbsp%26ver%3Dymdfwq781tpu&cc=41&ga_vid=1817065826.1198777133&ga_sid=1198777133&ga_hid=1630605844&flash=9&u_h=768&u_w=1024&u_ah=738&u_aw=1024&u_cd=32&u_tz=-300&u_his=1&u_java=true&u_nplug=29&u_nmime=109" marginwidth="0" marginheight="0" ="0" ="0" allowtransparency="true" border="0" height="240" scrolling="no" width="120"></>
| ||
| ||
Speaking about her slow but steady progress in tinsel town, this is what the girl has to say, "My physique and face are somewhat Westernized and so my glamour role in 'Arindhum Ariyamalum' was welcomed. Thereafter, I have been receiving many roles suiting me. I just finished a film in Kannada and Telugu as well. But as far as Tamil is concerned, I would like to do roles with good directors who give me a convincing script. If the directors want a high glamour quotient, I don't mind as long as it gels well with the story. Besides, I have been a model even before entering films. Hence, I have many friends in the ad world. I do a lot of commercials just for friendship sake". Way to go lady! |
