Post the super success of Pelli Choopulu, actress Ritu Varma became a sensation overnight. She is now ready with her new film Keshava which has young hero Nikhil as the main lead. The film is up for a release this Friday and we caught up with Ritu for an exclusive interview. Let’s see what she has to say.

What kind of response did you get after the super success of Pelli Choopulu?

The response has been great. People call me a performer now and I feel that I bagged Vikram sir and Nikhil’s film based on my performance in Pelli Choopulu. There are a lot of expectations on me an artist which I feel is very rare to get this early in my career.

Why such a long gap after Pelli Choopulu?

Yes! there was a long gap as I myself became a bit choosy. As said earlier, Pelli Choopulu has raised the bar for my career and I just don’t want to sign films for the sake of it and that is why I am taking one film at a time.

Don’t you think it is a big risk in a time when you are so popular?

No! I don’t feel so. As I am taking one film at a time, I have good time to choose subjects which will give scope for me to perform. I always feel that our work should automatically speak for itself.

So, can we see you in an out and out glamorous role?

Why not? I want to balance both the glamorous and performance oriented roles and make a good name for myself in the south.

Well, how did you bag Keshava?

After watching Pelli Choopulu, director Sudheer Varma narrated me the script which I thought was quite different. The basic physical condition of Nikhil and the way the entire script has been weaved around it drew me to this film at one.

Your role in the film?

I play a law student in the film who supports the hero in all his problems. Even though she is not involved in the crimes, she stays with him through thick and thin. I had a great time working on the film as things were quite serious this time. There are no lip sync songs and dance numbers as the content are quite serious.

Nikhil is known for his over-enthusiastic nature. How was it working for him?

Nikhil is such a great soul who always gives 100% in all his films. I feel that his performance in Keshava will be his best to date. The way he has showcased his emotions without getting vocal or animated will impress everyone big time. Moreover, the way he has been promoting the film has impressed me big time.

So what is so special about Keshava?

Keshava is a gritty revenge drama which is very dark. The narration will be the highlight as the film has been showcased with good intensity and emotional drama.

How did you bag Vikram’s film?

Post Pelli Choopulu, I got a call from Gautam Sir’s office in Chennai. The moment I landed there, they asked me for a look test. Once the test was done, they said I needed to stay back as there was yet another look test which had to be done. After wrapping up both the tests, Gautam Sir himself offered me the film.

Your experience of working with superstar Vikram?

Even to date, I can’t believe that I am doing a film with Vikram. I remember the first day of the shoot as I went up to Vikram sir and said what kind of privilege it is for me to work with him. He is a thorough gentleman and made me feel so comfortable on the sets and every day of the shoot has been a true learning experience which I will cherish for the rest of my life.

Your upcoming projects?

Well, I have a few very good offers in both Tamil and Telugu which I will let you know soon.

With that, we wrapped up our exclusive interview with Ritu and wished her the best of luck for her film and career.

Interviewed by Avad