Interview: Krithi Shetty wants to leave her mark on Tollywood

Q. You seem to be pretty busy with film promotions these days. Are you enjoying it?

A. Yes, I do have many promotional events lined up for the next few days. I’m doing a lot of interviews and attending numerous programmes every day. I really can’t say “no” to promotions because it’s part of my job. Also, they play a vital role in a film’s success/failure. It’s been hectic, but I’m enjoying every bit of it.

Q. Acting apart, are you pursuing anything now?

A. I’m pursuing psychology. I chose MBBS because I always wanted to be a doctor. But with acting, I apparently can’t study MBBS since it needs all the time in the world. So, I’ve decided to pursue psychology instead. As of now, it’s going great. I’m able to juggle studies and my acting career efficiently.

Q. How did life change after Uppena? How did you bag the role, by the way?

A. That’s a long story. I was in Hyderabad for an ad shoot. That’s when I learnt about the auditions for the role of Sangeetha aka Bebamma in Uppena. I thought of giving it a shot, and auditioned for it.

Besides acting, Krithi Shetty is pursuing a course in psychology. (IamKrithiShetty/Twitter)

When director Buchi Babu sir, writer-director-producer Sukumar sir and music composer Devi Sri Prasad sir came across my profile, they just loved it. They said they couldn’t find a better actor for the role, and I debuted in the Telugu film industry. I really thank the trio for believing in me and giving me the opportunity.

Yes, life did change for the better after Uppena, and I am truly content with the way my career is shaping up. I’m drawing applause for my efforts and performances. I’m also flooded with many offers. Uppena has made me popular and busier. I never dreamt of all this.

Q. You’ve acted in five films so far, with three more lined up. How do you finalise a script, and how do you know that you’ve made the right choice? Do you seek anyone’s help?

A. I have done five films already and I still can’t believe it! Do you know that I signed these films back-to-back?

Right after the release of the first-look poster of Uppena, I was showered with offers. I felt that all the characters were different and close to my heart. Hence, I signed these movies.

As for making the right choices, I do take help from my mom. We go through scripts and discuss them before okaying one. I usually look for challenging roles. But I think it is time that I changed the game and looked for characters that would make a mark in Tollywood.

Q. You have been sharing screen space with heroes who are at least 10 years older than you. Aren’t you worried about the age gap? Aren’t you apprehensive when you say “yes” to films?

A. Not really. I don’t think or look at things from that perspective. For me, it is not about the actual age of the artist, but their screen presence and the characters.

I say “yes” to a character and not anyone/anything else. I certainly am not apprehensive about taking up such roles or films. It is the roles that I always look at, and that’s what excites me.

Q. What are your upcoming projects?

A. I’m part of Sudheer Babu and Indraganti Mohanakrishna’s Aa Ammayi Gurinchi Meeku Cheppaali. Its promotions kicked off recently, and the film is set to release on 16 September.

I’m pairing with Naga Chaitanya for Venkat Prabhu’s directorial venture. Also, I’ve signed the Tamil film Vanangaan. It is still in production.