Regina Cassandra interview | On working with Ajith Kumar in ‘Vidaamuyarchi’

You as soon as mentioned, “As an actor, I like to the touch the whole spectrum of leisure.” What did you imply, and the way a lot have you ever coated?

I wish to be versatile. I’ve been blessed with a face and physique that may match into any position — South Indian, North Indian, city, or rural. That’s half the battle gained. I need to push boundaries, whether or not enjoying an antagonist, protagonist, or one thing in between. Over the previous 20 years, I’ve achieved that, and I hope to maintain exploring extra.

How do you choose roles? What led you to Vidaamuyarchi?

I’ve at all times had the posh of selecting what I would like. I’ve by no means approached filmmakers for roles — I’m fairly shy about that. My roles come to me as a result of somebody considered me for them. For Vidaamuyarchi, Magizh Thirumeni initially narrated a special character to me. Per week later, he known as me again for one more narration — this time for the position I play now. That shift in casting was sudden however thrilling. Moments like these reaffirm that I’m doing one thing proper.

What common parameters do you contemplate when choosing a task?

Consolation. Not within the sense of ease, however in how a task makes me really feel. As an actor, I should be comfy in my very own pores and skin to dive deep into a personality. If I can’t try this, I gained’t tackle the position. If I’m enjoying a weak character, I have to belief the group round me. I gauge this throughout narrations. I ask questions — not nearly my character however in regards to the director’s strategy. If the director is open to dialogue…  All these elements are vital to me.

How was it working with Magizh Thirumeni?

Incredible. He’s affected person, understanding, and is aware of find out how to convey out the very best in his actors. Even throughout dubbing, he sat with me, ensuring I delivered my greatest with out strain.

What about working with Ajith? Any memorable off-screen interactions?

On daily basis was memorable. He’s inclusive, conscious, and understands the impact he has on folks. Regardless of being a famous person, he doesn’t take issues with no consideration. He has no entourage, nobody fussing over him. That in all probability comes from his background as a rider — it’s important to do issues your self if you’re on the street. He carries that perspective onto the set..

What distinctive challenges and alternatives include being a part of star-centric movies?

There’s a lot love pouring in from the whole Tamil diaspora. It’s good to see a lot mild being shed on this movie due to Ajith Kumar, and all of us get to take pleasure in it. I’m hoping that the alternatives that come after this, when it comes to work, are simply pretty much as good. Truthfully, I haven’t confronted any challenges. The one factor was that I used to be the primary particular person from the forged to do interviews for the movie. That was a bit robust. However I went on the market, spoke, and mentioned what I needed to say, and I haven’t obtained any backlash (laughs).

Are you able to inform us about your position in Vidaamuyarchi?

It’s an interesting position with many layers. When you watch the movie, you’ll perceive why I can’t say an excessive amount of! I ready loads — writing notes, discussing with my director, and even sitting with a author pal to analyse my character.

You might have a background in psychology. Does that enable you perceive your characters?

I studied psychology as a result of I used to be interested in behaviour. It helps me in actual life and in performing. I typically have conversations with psychology professionals to grasp completely different persona varieties and subjects resembling sociopathy or psychopathy.

Are you able to give an instance the place psychology helped you with a task?

After I did Nenjam Marappathillai, I used to be personally going via signs of despair. Understanding this helped me work on myself and my character Mariam. I additionally needed to construct a relationship with the kid actor within the movie. I needed to make the kid comfy with me so it will translate on display. By the tip of the shoot, we have been so shut that we might eat from the identical plate. Understanding the kid’s psychology was vital.

You’ve taken on unconventional roles — enjoying a lesbian in Ek Ladki Ko Dekha Toh Aisa Laga and a drug-addicted waitress in Awe. What attracts you to such roles?

I like that filmmakers see me as somebody who can do various things. A few of them are relatable characters, others aren’t. After I performed Meera in Awe, I had cornrows, a septum piercing, tattoos, and an undercut. I even shaved a part of my head. It wasn’t simply thrilling; it was exhilarating!

You’ve additionally made a mark in internet sequence like Rocket Boys and Jaanbaaz Hindustan Ke. How does performing in an online sequence differ from movies?

The largest distinction is time; exhibits take for much longer to shoot. Jaanbaaz Hindustan Ke took three months throughout a number of places. That’s an even bigger time dedication than a movie. Exhibits have a tendency to succeed in extra folks in comparison with movies. However when it comes to course of, there’s not a lot distinction.

You’ve been an actor for 20 years. What sort of roles excite you now?

Something that challenges me. I don’t need to match right into a mould. The extra demanding the position, the extra thrilling it’s. However I additionally want a supportive group as a result of a difficult position is rarely the issue — it’s when every little thing round it turns into troublesome that it will get robust.