One South Indian actress who can match Bollywood’s Kangana Ranaut for being the centre of controversies is ‘Annamayya’ fame Kasthuri. In her latest exclusive interview with ‘The Leo News’, she expressed her strong, unbiased opinions on various contemporary issues.
Kasthuri is known for her ‘rebellious’ views and tweets on women equality issues, politics, sports and issues in film industry. She is not just a beautiful looking actress who never ages, but also a multitalented, multifaceted person who has deep knowledge on various contemporary issues. This is an excerpt from her exclusive interview with TLN.
What is the secret of your ageless beauty?
Thanks for your compliment. Everyone has their own beauty and we have to thank God for that. We have to concentrate on inner beauty rather than outer radiance. I am a fitness freak also who likes to stay fit and healthy.
Did you participate in beauty pageants?
I was Miss Madras before I entered the last round of finalists at the 1992 Miss India competition. I lost to Sushmitha Sen and Aishwarya Rai.
Are you a Tamilian?
Yes. But I am married into a Telugu family. I absolutely love Telugu. I am fond of Telugu poetry, songs and culture. I want to be born as a Telugu girl in my next life and I am lucky that I married a Telugu person. I am proud to be a Tamilian at the same time.
Tell us about your childhood
I was born in a middle class family. I used to be the first ranker in my class and my family thought I will become an IAS officer. My mother is a lawyer so I followed her footsteps and studied law. I had a fantastic childhood with loving parents and a brother. We were a simple family with simple dreams.
How did you come into films?
I got into modelling at a very young age. It proved to be a launch pad for my career. My first screen experience was working as an anchor for a children’s TV program in Doordarshan. This presented me with the opportunity to go to International Film Festival in Goa. That is where I fell in love with films, especially those that were directed by Bharathan Sir. I feel unfortunate to have not got the opportunity to work with him. Anchoring became the genesis for my acting career.
Tell us about your first film role
My first film was Kasthuri Raja’s ‘Aatha Un Koyilile’ where I played the female lead along with hero Selva.
How did you get the chance to work in ‘Bharateeyudu’?
I was asked to play Urmila’s character first, but Rangeela which was released at the same time made her a popular star, so they changed my character. I am extremely lucky to have worked with the great Kamal Hassan Sir. I am a big fan of AR Rahman Sir and it felt great to perform to his music.
How was the working experience in ‘Bharateeyudu’?
Several legends worked on the project. Shankar Sir, Kamal Sir, AR Rahman, Jeeva Sir…these are all big names. It was more like going to a school for me. Kamal Sir taught me various acting tricks and small nuances which helped me a great deal.
Who is your favourite hero in Tollywood?
Nagarjuna is my favourite Telugu hero and I want to work with him. He is a brainy star and I like his style. He is handsome too. He used to read newspaper and books during shooting. He is an intellectual who can think.
Tell me about a memorable experience with Nagarjuna
He gave me a hand shake when we were shooting for ‘Annamayya’. You will not believe when I say that I didn’t wash my hand for a while. I worked in ‘Aakasa Veedhilo’ also, but Raveena starred opposite Nagarjuna in that film. I want to participate in Bigg Boss just for him. I would be happy if they allow me into Bigg Boss house as a special guest for a week.
What is your opinion on casting couch?
‘Me Too’ movement is not just about film industry. It shows the harassment experienced by women in every sector. I am seriously working for women rights. Forcing women in lieu of opportunities is just a form of corruption. Film industry needs utmost discipline. If one has weakness for women, don’t come into films, there are other ways to satiate your pleasures. The Movie industry is a serious industry with professional people. Only because of a few, the entire industry should not be seen with a single lens. Getting into a bedroom will never get you stardom. One needs talent, hard work and a bit of luck to become a star.
What is your opinion on nepotism?
Luck factor plays an important role in the industry along with talent. Nepotism works everywhere. It works in films also, but being the son or daughter of a big star does not guarantee you a place as a star who is loved by all. You have to work hard and you have to have talent.
Many gossips floated about you. Did it ever hurt you?
At first I was shocked, after a while, I got used to it. There were hundreds of gossips about me in the past which are all lies.
Tell us about a few such gossips
Some journalists wrote that a hero with whom I acted in three films gifted me a diamond necklace. I wanted it to come true and asked him to gift me once (Chuckles). Another gossip that irked me the most was about a famous businessman keeping me as his mistress. I recently met him at a marriage for the first time ever in my life and told him about the gossip. He was accompanied by his wife and felt embarrassed about me going and asking him (Chuckles)
Who is that ‘necklace’ hero?
He is Prabhu Sir.
How is your second innings in the industry?
It is exciting. There is a lot good work coming my way and I wish to do some exciting projects with good filmmakers.
How did Kasthuri become a rebel?
I am a rebel from the beginning. I always speak what is in my heart and do not sugarcoat. I talk without fear.
What is the issue with Ajith’s fans?
Ajith’s fans trolled and made filthy comments on me on social media. They harassed me continuously. This type of behaviour by any star’s fans will eventually affect their favourite hero’s image. I am also a fan of Ajith. He is a perfect gentleman. But some of his fans who use his pictures as profile pics harass people on the internet.
Did he react on that issue?
He never commented. Slut-shaming is happening frequently now.
What about your comments on Rajinikanth’s entry into politics?
He is not sure about his entry into politics. But Kamal Sir entered into political arena and even faced elections. Rajini Sir must plan and come into politics. Whether in alliance or individually, he must take a decision quickly. At the moment, he will garner a vote share of 10%. He must work on a narrative and address the issues faced by people.
Chiranjeevi and Pawan Kalyan have a huge fan base, but it hasn’t translated into votes. Do you think the same will happen for actor-turned-politicians in Tamil Nadu?
Rajinikanth’s fans are participating in various services activities there. He will have to work very hard to make a mark.
Why is AIADMK earning a bad reputation lately?
They became successful in controlling the spread of COVID at first, but corruption allegations in PPE kits made people lose hope on them. Opening liquor shops in the time of COVID made their loyal Women voter base move away from them.
Can strategists like Prashant Kishor change the situation?
If parties have done well for people, why will they need paid strategists like Prashant Kishor. They should have spent the Rs. 250 crores fee that Prashant Kishore charges for development and welfare activities which can yield better results.
Are you entering politics?
I lost my faith in politics. Everyone wants to amass wealth. I don’t know whether I can fit in or not. Sometimes, we can’t do service activities if we are in politics. I am fighting on various issues on my own, without any political affiliation. If I think politics would provide me a platform to take my fight to the next level, I don’t have any issue in entering the political arena.
Why did you tweet about Paracetamol during Coronavirus time?
Jagan underestimated the pandemic by making casuals comments about Paracetamol and bleaching powder. We in Tamil Nadu were shocked to hear them. When the entire world was fighting the dreaded virus, a Chief Minister making a casual comment about treating it with a Paracetamol surprised us. I thought I should respond on it and I did. Now, it seems like he is right. The rising numbers in AP can be attributed to the slow start made by the administration who did not take the pandemic seriously.
Are you Pro-TDP?
If I put out a tweet on Jagan’s decisions, it doesn’t mean that I support Chandrababu Naidu. I respect Naidu Sir a lot. He has done amazing development activities and its visible everywhere. If Hyderabad has became a global destination, that’s purely because of him. But I am strictly apolitical and only appreciate the good work done by leaders.
Is three capitals decision good for the decentralization of administration?
Mumbai is not the capital city of India but its development has never stopped. I don’t understand how a city will suddenly develop if it becomes a capital.
What about the similar proposal in Tamil Nadu?
There was a proposal to make Trichy, Madurai and Coimbatore as capital cities. New York is not the capital city of America, but is still the most talked about city in the world. Vizag is much developed even before its name was considered as one of the capitals, but Amaravathi’s development was stopped abruptly.
Why are governments focusing on wealth distribution rather than its creation?
These are two different socio-economic approaches for the development of society. Leaders must have a vision to create wealth in order to distribute it. KCR Garu is doing well in this aspect. They are building on the work done by previous regimes and doing everything they can to place Telangana amongst the best states in the Country.
