"Audiences saw me as Meena in Preminchu and as Ratnamala in Missamma. They never saw me as a star heroine. Playing a character artist at this stage in my career feels natural," says actress Laya, who is making a thorough comeback with Nithiin's Thammudu, scheduled to be released in theatres on July 4th.
In her latest interview, Laya reveals that she was pursuing a career in the US when film offers started coming her way all over again. When Thammudu came her way, she knew she didn't want to miss out on it. "I got to watch the film while dubbing for my character. It's so content-rich," Laya says.
I was away from the Telugu film industry for many years. In early 2023, I happened to be interviewed by a couple of YouTube channels. This brought me to the notice of director Venu Sriram, who pitched the storyline of Thammudu and also did a look-test. Since I was too lean for the part, he asked me to put on weight. I consciously consumed weight-gaining foods over two months to appear physically heavier.
For much of my career, I was typecast in girl-next-door roles. However, Thammudu was a turning point, allowing me to portray a strong female character. What truly sets this film apart is its impactful exploration of the brother-sister bond, where every character serves a vital purpose. (Nithiin plays her sister in the family-oriented action drama).
It is true that I play a serious role in Thammudu. Jhansi Kiranmayee is an incorruptible, sincere government officer for whom both family and duty are important. She is a woman of a few words. Whatever little she speaks make an absolute impact on others. She is fearless and can go to any extent for what she believes in. At the same time, she is affectionate and emotional.
Shooting in forested landscapes was not easy. People on sets sustained injuries, almost on a daily basis. The experience was not breezy. Shooting for Thammudu in the difficult terrain was no picnic. What made it all tolerable was the bond we shared. Everyone was sincere throughout the shoot, dedicated to meeting deadlines. Some of us felt sick because we had to toil in the forest. Many scenes were filmed amid rocks. We had to walk barefoot at times.
Nithiin is someone who mingles with everyone. I saw both a child in him and a mature-minded person. He had put in adequate homework, which made it possible for him to pull off complex scenes.
I am eager to embrace meaningful roles—be it a sister, a mother, or any character that becomes the driving force of the story. My goal is for audiences to remember my performance long after they leave the theater, just as I played maternal roles even as a 22-year-old heroine.
