I want to achieve popularity like Smita Patil and Rekha: Shriya Reddy said – took inspiration from Indira Gandhi and Jayalalitha for Radha Ram Mannar

Shriya Reddy of South Industry was recently seen in the film 'Salaar'. In this film, she was seen in the role of Radha Ram Mannar, daughter of villain Raja Mannar. Like her father, Radha is also ready to go to any extent to gain power in Khansar. Shriya wants to achieve popularity like Smita Patil and Rekha in Hindi films. Here are some key excerpts from the conversation with him.

Shriya Reddy was seen in the film 'Salaar'.

Question- How was your casting in 'Salaar'?
answer- I have been in this industry for 16 years. Director Prashant Neel ji was looking for a strong headed actress for this role. An actress whom people get scared after seeing on screen. Although initially I did not agree with the brief he gave me for this character. Then after several more rounds of discussions, I was able to accept the temperament of that character.

Question- How close are you to this character in real life?
answer- I am also strong headed like him. Similarly, I also express my views with full force. Prashant Neel especially wanted a particular body language for this character. Prashant wanted me to speak dialogues in a special way in the role of Radha. The situation was that I remained serious the whole time on the set. She did not talk to anyone during the breaks of the shoot. I didn't even talk to Prabhas during the entire shoot. I did this so that I could remain in character. There were clear instructions from Prashant Neel himself that if Radha never smiles then I too should not smile. That's what I did.

'Salaar' made tremendous collection at the box office.

Question- Whom did you think about while performing such a character?
answer- I was not thinking about anyone in my mind. But yes, for that kind of tough and powerful personality, I took a lot of inspiration from Jayalalitha ji or Indira Gandhi ji. Indira ji's poise was amazing. Her face was soft, but when she spoke, it was clear how wonderful she was. When she spoke, there was no other option but to listen. I have also been a big fan of Smita Patil ji. His look was amazing. Everyone used to say that my look and skin color is like theirs. All these empowering personalities have had a wonderful influence on me.

Question- What did you learn from this character?
answer- Even if your role is for 5 or 10 minutes, if you do it with full dedication, the audience will love you. If you perform a role of that length like a dream role, then the result will definitely be amazing.

Question- What kind of work would you like to do in romantic genre films?
answer- Which was the character of Rekha ji in the film 'Silsila'. If I get a chance, I would definitely like to do this kind of character. By the way, I resonate with Smita Patil ji. If I am ever able to act even five to ten percent like Shabana Azmi ji, I will consider myself very lucky.

Question- Is 'Saalar' a film only for male audience?
answer- It's not like that. It is an action film and the audience is also talking about my character. Talking about the response, we are getting feedback not only from the male but also from the female audience that there is a need to take inspiration from personalities like Radha Ram.

Question- 'Salar 2' has not started, right?
answer- Yes. I think that will take some time. 'Salar 2' will definitely happen. But only Prashant and Homble Films know when it will happen? Since Part One has not been completed, Part Two will have to be made to complete it.

Question- Would you ever like to do 'Salar' type action?
answer- Yes absolutely. I am also physically fit. I would definitely like to be seen getting rid of enemies on screen. I will insist to Prashant Neel that he should give me a chance to do action like Prabhas in part two.

Question- Film families in South do not send their daughters into the film line – is this true?
answer- it's not like that at all. Girls who are interested in acting or want to work as writers and directors, they definitely come in the film line.

Question- Would you like to work in Bollywood? Would you like to live in Mumbai?
answer- I don't divide the film industry. Although 'Saalar' was made in South, this film got a lot of love in North also. Nowadays everyone is talking about this film. Not only in Hindi, but wherever I get good roles, I would definitely like to do them.

Question- If you get a chance, what kind of Hindi film would you like to do?
answer- 'continuation'. A lot of teenage or college based love stories have been being made. But mature love stories like 'Silsila' are rarely made even today. I was a child when the film 'Silsila' came out. To be honest, I like this film very much. If we talk about Telugu industry, after action the biggest genre there is romantic films. The young filmmakers there are coming up with very refreshing stories.