Continuing the lockdown interview series, today, we bring you an exclusive interview with the beautiful Lavanya Tripathi. In a detailed conversation, we spoke to Lavanya about her dull phase, future projects, support in the industry, and favorite actors. Here is the transcript.
What have you been up to during this lockdown period?
Firstly, I am stuck here in Hyderabad and could not go to my native place because I was shooting nonstop. I was feeling a bit reluctant to travel in such crazy times too. So, I am left alone and things are getting really depressing after seeing the deaths of Irrfan Khan and Rishi Kapoor.
How do you kill your time at home?
Some of my local friends have been quite helpful. I am preparing masks along with a doctor’s family and helping the needy. I have been trying some really good delicacies and sharing it with my neighbors. I would also suggest everyone watch this series called Dark on Netflix which is pretty good.
Prior to Arjun Suravaram, you have seen a bad phase. Who supported you the most during this time?
My family is the biggest support and especially my sister was like a rock behind me. I discuss everything with her and take good suggestions as well. Also, post my not so successful films, I took an intended break and did not accept any film that came my way.
Why did you choose such bad films in the first place?
I am responsible for doing those films but situations became in such a way that so many external factors forced me to do all those films. I have learned a lot from my mistake as failure has taught me to be independent and make my own decisions. Things have changed and the first step towards that is signing A1 Express where I play a hockey player which is de-glam.
You have not utilized your potential is the general talk. What do you have to say?
I have been there for over eight years now. I believe in quality and not quantity. After being in the industry for so long, there is no dearth of offers but we need to be smart enough to choose. There are some mistakes that I made but the next few films will put me back on track.
Will you ever don a bikini and do a dark and bold role?
Why not. I am an actor and love to get challenged through my roles. I don’t mind doing bold scenes and wearing a bikini unless the scenes and script have a good sense in it and the right narration. OTT is giving a wide variety of challenging characters for actors I am waiting for such an opportunity to showcase my talent.
How do you deal with a flop film?
These days, the result is known within an hour of the release itself. I do follow some critics and see what they have to say about the film. I take constructive criticism. I clearly remember a lot of them saying that my make up was bad in Vunnadi Okkate Zingadi and even I felt the same. I took notice of it and changed things around. I learn from mistakes and see that I do not repeat them in the days to come.
Do you have anything on your bucket list as of now?
Yes. I want to do a Malayalam film badly. Some great cinema is being made in Malayalam and good roles are being written for heroines.
Who has been a big support in the industry apart from your family?
I signed Soggade reluctantly as many said if I romance a senior hero I would be typecast in the future. I told the same to Nag sir also. The way he supported me during those times was superb. I still call him for major suggestions in life. He has been a great support.
About your favorite actors?
Sridevi and Irrfan Khan have been my most favorite actors. I cannot pick any favorite these days as many are good. But I feel Ranbir is very hot and Ayushman Khuranna is doing some great work.
Future projects?
I have a good line up of films. A1 Express is getting ready and I have pinned a lot of hope on this film as I have a special role. Then, there is a Tamil film with Atharva and Karthikeya’s Chaavu Kaburu Challaga. I have a superb role in this film and my look will be quite different and surprising.
With that, we ended our conversation with Lavanya and wished the best of luck for her future projects.
Interviewed by Avad