PremiumAnupama Parameswaran interview - 'Tillu Square came to me at a time when I had lost interest in acting'
Anupama Parameswaran replaces Neha Sehetty in the sequel to Tillu Square. Siddhu Jonnalagadda plays the main lead in this crime comedy, which releases in theatres on March 29.
Anupama Parameswaran
Last Updated: 02.26 PM, Mar 27, 2024
Tillu Square is set to be released in theatres on March 29, 2024. Anupama Parameswaran plays the female lead and is in the news for her brand-new hot avatar, which is one of the highlights of the film. She speaks to us about the offer, her role, working with Siddhu Jonnalagadda, her 9-year-old career, and future projects. Here is the transcript.
What made you say yes to Tillu Square?
This offer came to me when I was losing interest in acting. Doing the same girl-next-door roles was boring to me and I wanted to break away and re-invent myself. To be very frank, I never considered myself a 'hot girl', and when the makers of Tillu Square called me, I had many inhibitions. But after listening to the character, I took it as a challenge and okayed the film.
Your fans in Tollywood were a bit upset to see you in such a bold role. What's your take on it?
Yes, I even received many messages about it. But as I put forward my ideology behind doing such a film, they are quite happy now. I feel my glamorous avatar is one of the selling points of Tillu Square and many people are quite eager to see me in such a glamorous role for the first time.
What are your expectations from Tillu Square?
Tillu Square is a very crucial film in my career. If the audience accepts me in a new avatar, I will go ahead and do varied roles in the future. I want each of my characters to stand out and the film's success will boost my confidence big time. I feel Tillu Square is like a proper relaunch in my career.
What was your experience working with Siddhu Jonnalagadda?
I hated him during the initial days of the shoot. The day I arrived on the set, he did not even greet me and immediately started narrating the scene. This happened for many days, as the entire set and Siddhu ignored me completely. But as I warmed up to them, I had a great time. Siddhu is a very spontaneous actor who can shock you with his sudden lines and expressions but he has worked hard on Tillu Square and has a huge hit on his hands.
Are you aware of the box office numbers and hysteria that Tillu Square will create?
I have no idea about the box office but I am sure that the film will have a solid opening. I am so tense that I want to be away from the crowds for a while. We have worked so hard on the film and there is a lot of hype surrounding Siddhu's character. I hope we will meet all the expectations that have been piled up for the film.
A lot has been said and written about the intimate scenes. What's your take on it?
Yes, wherever I go, that is the only question I am being asked. But one should understand that it is very hard to shoot an intimate scene. I faced a tough time as such a private moment was being filmed with the entire unit around. Something like this was the first time for me and I was very nervous before the shoot. But Siddhu and the entire unit made me comfortable during the shoot.
Your take on your association with Sithara Entertainments?
This is my third film with them and they are the ones who launched me in Telugu cinema. I was a small part of A. Aa and then Premam. Now, I have again teamed up with them for Tillu Square. When producer Naga Vamsi called me to offer the film, I was shocked about how they even thought of me in such a glamorous role. But they had a lot of faith in me and felt that I would be the perfect choice. I am indebted to them.
How do you look back on your 9-year-old career in films?
I never aspired to become an actor. Premam happened by accident and the same was the case for Telugu cinema. I am now more famous in Telugu states than in Kerala. With Tillu Square, I am sure that new avenues will open for me and the audience will get to see me in more hard-hitting and diverse roles in the future.