Interview with Thulasi Nair!

Thulasi Nair, born into a family of actors, is young, bubbly and raring to go the extra mile to get noticed. Though she had an unsuccessful start to her career with Mani Ratnam’s Kadal, she wasn’t bogged down by the failure as she used it as a learning experience to hone her skills. With her second release Yaan, Thulasi has tasted her first commercial success and has proved that she’s willing to do what it takes to be a star. In this candid chat, Only Kollywood finds out more from Thulasi, about her relationship with her mother, yesteryear actress Radha; her sister Karthika, another popular southern actress and her father Rajasekaran, an entrepreneur who plays a very important role in her life.

When you decided to get into films, what was the word of advice from your mother and sister?

I think they were a little worried because they never thought there was an actor in me. Unlike my sister, I wasn’t keen in acting in school from a very young age. I wasn’t interested much in extra circular activities. But they didn’t give me any advice as such because they knew I was in the safe hands of Mani Ratnam. He was the best guide and mentor I could have as an actor.

You had the privilege of being introduced by Mani Ratnam in Kadal. But unfortunately the film didn’t do well at the box-office. Did that failure upset you?

I think one advice my mom gave me, which is applicable is life as well, is to never worry about success or failure because everything is an experience. The failure didn’t really upset me because it gave me a guru like Mani Ratnam I can really be proud of.

Do you still discuss with Mani Ratnam about your career?

I do every now and then. I last met him at the preview of ‘Yaan’. He watched the film and appreciated my work.

Were you always interested in cinema even before Kadal happened?

Not really. People would always taunt that I’m going become an actress. But I would ask ‘are you mad’. Secretly, by the age of 13, I started developing keen interest in acting. I would watch films and then stand in front of the mirror and act certain scenes. I guess that made me fall in love with acting.

How was the response to your role in Yaan?

The movie was accepted well. I’m glad that people have really enjoyed my performance. I’m happy that they’re appreciating two and a half years of hard work.

How was the experience of shooting Yaan for such a long time? Even ‘Kadal’ took a lot of time, didn’t it?

‘Kadal’ was like a blink of the eye. It was so much fun working because we (Gautham Karthik and I) were learning. It never seemed like a film shoot because I felt like I was on a vacation with family. We spent about a year on the project. On ‘Yaan’, we spent two years. As an actor, I feel ‘Yaan’ made me very professional and independent. On ‘Kadal’, I was pampered by Mani sir. ‘Yaan’ gave me an opportunity to professionally grow as an actor and trust myself.

With ‘Yaan’, you upped the glamour quotient in terms of the portrayal of the role. How was the experience of turning glamorous?

It wasn’t new to me because I played a Bombay girl in the film. I’ve been raised in Bombay, so it wasn’t a challenge to slip into the shoes of my character. It helped me get in touch with my fashion side. That’s how I usually dress when you see me in Bombay. Therefore, it was extremely easy for me to relate with the character.

How do you define glamour? Is it only trendy clothes or is there something more you would like to add?

Glamour I guess depends on the character and situation. ‘Yaan’, for instance, happens in Bombay, so it makes sense for my character to walk around in gowns and other trendy outfits. It doesn’t make sense to not have glamour when the whole atmosphere around a character requires it. In that case, glamour becomes a part of an actor.

You’re two films old? What’s been your biggest learning so far?

It’s to be wise and choose good scripts. Mom keeps saying I’m just 16 and I have a long way ahead. But I want to take up roles that challenge and make me grow as an actor. I know I have a long road ahead but it’s good to be prepared.

How are you juggling now between school and films?

After Kadal, it’s become easier and organized. I know how much time I need to allot for my studies. But now my first priority is cinema. I’ve committed to this industry.

But do you see yourself going to college and earning a degree?

Of course, I don’t think how that is not even possible. That’s been the dream of my parents. My sister and I have always dreamt of going abroad, studying and gaining experience. I haven’t decided yet what I want to study but it will have to be something related to the course I’m currently doing.

When in dilemma, who do you approach for advice – mom or sister?

I think when it comes to movies; it’s obviously my mother and aunt. In life, it’s always been my dad.

Does coming from a family of actors add more pressure on you as an actor?

There’s definitely a lot of pressure. Even when Kadal released, there was so much of hype and expectations. I felt it’s unfair to compare me with my mom and sister because I’m just a newcomer. I can’t be even compared to my sister because she’s already done a few films. I think it’s an advantage to come from a family of actors as there’s always so much to learn, but some people have made it all look like it’s a disadvantage. 

How do you cope with that pressure?

I’ve always been asked this question that is my sister my competition. And I’ve always told them that it’s unfair to even compare. I just don’t think about all that because I think its nonsense.

Do you talk about cinema at home? What’s the dining table conversation like?

We mostly talk about our childhood because I was like an angel and my sister was very naughty. I always make my parents tell stories about how good I’ve been as a kid. My sister and I keep pestering me about how I always want to hear about childhood stories. It’s mostly childhood, funny incidents and occasionally about career.

Do you discuss scripts?

No, not really. My brother and dad don’t really get involved in any conversation about cinema. When it comes to choosing a script, it’s always been between my mother and I.

How does your father support you in your career?

My dad plays a very important role. He’s been my biggest pillar of strength and support. When my sister decided to act, we were so scared to ask him that if he was ready to give away his 16-year old daughter to the film industry while she was studying. But he was more excited about it and encouraged my sister to do it. He comes to almost every single shoot of my films. He’s what motivates us to be actors.

Do you guys ever plan to support him in the future in his business?

That has always been our childhood goal. He’s got such wonderful businesses and properties and we really want to continue it as a family legacy. That’s our future goal.  

How often do you discuss scripts with your mom and sister?

My mom is always with me when I hear scripts or meet a director. I still feel I need advice on choosing scripts because I don’t think I’m mature enough to take such big decisions. We hear it together and then we discuss about it. She hears me out and vice versa.

What’s your relationship with your sister like?

The strongest relationship in my entire family is between us. We share a wonderful bond since childhood. I respect her as my big sister and I also love her like my best friend.

Do you guys discuss about your films? Talk abot what went wrong in them or what you liked?

If we find anything wrong and silly, we just laugh it out. We ourselves point out certain things in our films and have a laugh about it.

What do you take from your sister when you go on sets?

She’s extremely sincere towards her work. When she’s on sets, she displays 110 percent commitment. Her mind is always on work and she never gets distracted. That’s the good thing I’ve learnt from her.