Priya Anand Interview: On Andhagan, underrated films, writing for women and Simran being inspiration

Actor Priya Anand, who has become a household name in most of the south film industries as well as in Hindi, is part of the Tamil film Andhagan, which will see the daylight today. A remake of Hindi film Andhadhun, in Andhagan, Priya Anand is joined by actors Prashanth, Urvashi, Simran, Karthik, Samuthirakani and others.

Priya Anand interview 

Ahead of the release, Priya Anand speaks to OTTplay about being part of Andhagan and more so being a secure actor, as she completes 15 years in the industry. “I am secure actor in terms that I don’t think the audience would forget me if I don’t have a release very often or not posting on social media. But when you are working in a film like this, it is exciting for someone like me, because I am working with artists, I have grown up admiring. There is always something to learn, be it experienced or new ones who might have learnt from film school. Learning from anyone on the sets is definitely great,” says Priya.

Priya also adds that she has never felt being insecure with any artists because she understands the experiences and body of work each one of them comes with. “I don’t want to embarrass myself getting caught in the rat-race. Some of them are nice with their compliments on our work, others give me pointers to improve. It is always nice feeling to work with someone who inspires you to do more better.

As stated earlier, a household name in several languages, Priya opens up about how the sensibilities change, or rather remain intact, as she adds, “Every industry has every genre of films getting made. But it is just interesting for me because in each industry I work in different kind of films. In Tamil, I am always girl-next-door, but in Hindi I get varied kind of roles and in Kannada I do the most commercial films. Malayalam films have offered me performance-driven roles. It is always a mix that I have done in all these languages.”

Also read: Actor Prashanth Interview: On why Andhagan is not a remake, re-releasing Jeans, and films as entertainment | EXCLUSIVE 

Having done famous films like Vanakkam Chennai and Ethir Neechal, Priya Anand has also explored very performance driven films like 180, which stars Siddharth and Nithya Menen. “It is such an underrated film and I think way ahead of its time. It is a sensible and intelligent film and probably many where not ready for a topic like that. But I cannot tell you how many times I have been approached with people who found the film relatable. That’s the beauty of Jayendra Panchapakesan sir, who made the film very fresh for the audience at that point.”

Also read: Andhagan trailer out: Prashanth’s Andhadhun remake to see daylight soon

Having done Renu from 180, whose character stood out from the typical female lead characters at that time, Priya observes the pattern of writing characters for women. “The writing in general has changed. When I started off, the heroes always have to be the Mr Perfect, but now you see a lot of grey shades in their characters. The minds of people now are more progressive, with which the writing also gets better. Like say, how Simran mam has not only been a glamourous star, but has also performed a variety of roles. She is definitely an inspiration on what and not to do as an actor,” she concludes.