Mrs. Hitler fame Anjali Rao: Actress Nithya Menen inspired me to become an actress

Actress Anjali Rao is much-loved for her performance as Maya in 'Mrs. Hitler'. Even though her character has grey shades, viewers loved her; thanks to her acting skills. However, not many know that the actress had once competed in the Miss South India pageant and also played actor Simbu's sister in a Tamil movie. Well, there are more lesser known facts about this gorgeous actress.
In a candid chat with ETimes TV, the actress shared about her career, preference to play negative characters are more...
Miss South India semi-finalist
Anjali started her career as a model and had done advertisements for many prestigious brands, however, later, she explored her acting skills.

"I was a semi-finalist in 2011 Miss South India contestant, but I quit it midway, as I couldn't tolerate the politics there. I have a huge passion for writing, hence I started my career in advertising as a content writer. Then I explored the technical side of it too. However, destiny was taking me into other fields and I ended up being in the Tamil movie industry," she said.
'I decided that I should also become an actress like Nithya Menen'
Anjali Rao had played many notable roles in the industry, however, she says that Nithya Menen's 'Malini 22 Palayamkottai' has changed her life.
"After acting with Nithya Menen in the movie, I realized that I should also become an actress. What a natural artist she is! The way she emotes is exceptional. I started observing her religiously and decided that I should also become an actress like her," Anjali added.

Further, she played meaty roles in movies like 'Vanmam', 'Sometimes', and more. The actress shared that people still call her 'Simbu Thankachai' (Simbu's sister) after playing actor Silambarasan's sister in the Gowtham Menon directorial 'Achcham Yenbadhu Madamaiyada'.
'Even if I am on the screen for 5 minutes, it should have some impact'
"After a gap, I didn't get many worthy characters in movies. I got many second lead roles, which are usually glamorous ones. I didn't want to take up those roles. Even when I am on the screen for 5 minutes, it should have some impact," she shared.
Later, she has done popular roles in both Tamil and Telugu TV. 'Mahalakshmi', 'Lakshmi Stores', 'Kerataalu' were some of her popular serials.

Anjali made her debut in Malayalam with the show 'Swathy Nakshathram Chothi'.
'I don't want to be a teary-eyed person on-screen'
Talking about playing negative roles in both her Malayalam shows, Anjali shared that she loves to do it.
"I am already an emotional person in real life. So, I don't want to be a teary-eyed person on-screen also. I am bored of crying. Playing a negative character actually boosts your confidence. You get to play different shades in the role. I am happy that people started loving me as Maya in Mrs. Hitler," she said.
'I hate to doll up on screen'
Even though the actress is widely adored for her attractive sarees and jewellery on-screen, Anjali is not a big fan of overdoing it.

"I hate to be dolled up on screen. I use to have arguments with my team on the same. I believe in logic and you can't fool the audience. The makers believe that viewers like it this way maybe it's the influence of the north style of serial making. I make sure my character doesn't do so much makeup and jewelry unless it's a special occasion. I want people to see my acting, not to get carried away by my saree or jewelry," she stated.