PremiumGayatri Bhardwaj on Tiger Nageswara Rao: I was left teary eyed after the narration
The Ittu Si Baat, Dhindora actress makes her Telugu debut opposite Ravi Teja
Last Updated: 03.34 AM, Oct 08, 2023
Model-turned-actress Gayatri Bhardwaj, who shot to fame with her shows Dhindora, Ishq Express, Highway Love and was also seen in the Hindi film Ittu Si Baat, is set for a grand Telugu debut. She forays into the industry with a biggie - Tiger Nageswara Rao, alongside Ravi Teja. The film, helmed by Vamsee, releases in theatres on October 20. Ahead of its release, she conversed with media in Hyderabad.
“After winning the Miss United pageant in 2018 and awaiting the release of my first feature film, I received a call from Vamsee about Tiger Nageswara Rao. He gave a detailed three-hour narration about my role that left me teary-eyed. There’s a portion that’s high on emotions, the film takes several twists and turns. I had to do it at any cost. I was chosen for it after they’d auditioned over 60 candidates. I am thrilled,” she says.
Gayatri plays a tomboyish character named Mani in the film - she’s rustic and energetic. After coming to set, Vamsee asked her to watch two Vishal Bhardwaj films for a reference point. “I got a fair idea of what he was expecting from my role. The story is set in the 1970s-80s era. I forgot everything about my appearance and only focused on my character. I trusted the director blindly.”
Ravi Teja was a livewire, quite helpful on sets, the actress shares. “He has an impeccable comic timing and I consider myself privileged to have acted alongside him. He’s a humble man and called me ‘Bhardwaj’ through the shoot. He’s young at heart and has a vibrant personality.” Vamsee and a language coach helped her with Telugu lines, who explained the emotion and meaning behind every dialogue.
The budding performer had no clue about Tiger Nageswara Rao’s story until the film came to her. “I realised why this was a special story after listening to the narration. Not many prefer to discuss thieves but he’s someone who got the entire nation talking. There’s a special episode featuring Indira Gandhi as well. You’ll know more about it when you watch. Vamsee’s research behind the script will reflect on the screen.”
In a nutshell, she says Tiger Nageswara Rao is unpredictable, strong and dynamic. “It is high on energy and action. The action choreography will be a visual feast.” Calling herself a Ram Charan fan, Gayatri says she has already signed her next Telugu film - an official announcement will be out shortly. “I am really liking this industry. People love and respect cinema like no other region here.”