Dreaming big

Keerthi Chawla is one of those who came down to Chennai hoping to make it big in south Indian cinema. Hailing from Mumbai, this petite beauty had a dream debut with Junior NTR in Telugu and Action King Arjun in Tamil.
However, after that, life hasn���t been a bed of roses for the actress, who has had to work hard to prove herself.
It has taken time for the lass to make a mark in the industry but she has managed to impress quite a few.Keerthi���s acting skills came in for praise after she played her role to perfection in Ulliyin Osai, the script of which was penned by Chief Minister Karunanidhi. ���I learnt Bharatanatyam for the movie. Acting opposite Vineeth, who is a well-trained Bharatanatyam dancer, was a big challenge,��� she says.
The actress, who is happy that her acting potential has been recognised by Kollywood, says, ���I like Tamil films and wish to do a variety of roles.��� A big fan of Jyothika, Keerthi says that after Mahesh, Saranya Matrum Palar, she is now working in Rajkumar���s Thirumathi Tamizh and Ninaivil Ninthaval.
Ask her about her roles in her recent films and she says, ���Though I play a guest role in Mahesh, Saranya Matrum Palar, it has great significance. Thirumathi Tamizh is a heroine-based subject and I am looking forward to it.���
Commenting on her debut movie Aadi with Junior NTR, the actress says that she was very camera-conscious then. ���I had a difficult time delivering dialogues too. However, the movie was a hit and its songs were on top of the charts,��� she adds.
So, what makes her sign a project? ���I have done movies in Tamil, Telugu and Kannada. I am not in a hurry to sign films. I sign a film only if I am convinced of the story line. I want to do more memorable roles. I am interested in working in Mollywood as I am so fond of their natural way of film-making,��� she discloses.
Does she nurture any Bollywood dreams? ���Yes, of course. Once I establish myself, I will be able to get meaty roles in Bollywood and down the line, I plan to move there.���
How does she find Chennai, as she���s recently relocated to the city? ���I have very few friends here. Sandhya, Sneha and Tejasri are some of my best friends. Though I am in Chennai, I make sure than I am in Mumbai for all the festivals.���
Ask her what genres inspire her and she replies, ���I am not for commercial movies. I like sentiment and comedy films. I also like to do action roles in movies. I dream of doing the role Sridevi did in Moondram Pirai and Jyothika did in Mozhi. They are exceptional roles for any artiste.���