The actor says her role in the upcoming film 'Mangalavaaram' was her first encounter with an unconventional character that is closer to real life.
Published Nov 15, 2023 | 4:40 PM ⚊ Updated Nov 15, 2023 | 4:40 PM
Payal Rajput in 'Mangalavaaram'. (Supplied)
Payal Rajput says she has come to terms with the harsh reality of the movie industry after her magnanimous blockbuster RX 100 (2018). The actress has been longing to make a comeback since then.
“Everything was not hunky-dory for me as I’ve paved my own path. I have been fighting with my destiny and want to make a comeback so I can prove my mettle as an actor,” she remarks.
Ahead of the release of her upcoming movie Managalavaaram, the actor addressed the media in Hyderabad on Wednesday, 15 November.
Starring Payal Rajput, Nandita Shwetha, Divya Pillai, and Ajmal Ameer in the lead roles, Mangalavaaram is helmed by Ajay Bhupathi who earlier helmed Kartikeya’s RX 100 in 2018.
A still from the film ‘Mangalavaaram’. (Supplied)
Mangalavaaram is being produced by Swathi Reddy and Suresh Varma under the banners of Mudra Media Works and A Creative Works respectively.
Payal Rajput plays the role of a village girl, Shailu in Mangalavaaram.
The actress says the movie is something that no filmmaker has ever explored in Telugu cinema.
“I first wondered if the character that I am gonna play is for real because I’ve never portrayed such a character before,” she quipped.
Payal added, “I’ve done some intense, dark, and depressive characters like that in Anaganaga O Athidhi (2020). But this is my first encounter with an unconventional character that is closer to real life.”
Playing a village belle in Mangalavaaram was psychologically draining for Payal Rajput. Given her modern outlook, playing a village girl with an intriguing character was something the actor had to learn and unlearn on the sets.
“It was difficult to get into the character because the role of Shailu was not even 10 percent closer to my real self. I am chill and an extrovert. I talk to people and enjoy their company.”
She admits that it wasn’t an easy job when she entered the shoes of Shailu.
“Everything was so measured that director Ajay would immediately stop me even when I smiled slightly. I was asked not to come to the sets with preconceived notions. So, I had to go with a clean slate,” she recalled.
It took two hours for Payal Rajput every day to style like Shailu — with all that makeup and hairstyle.
“It took even more time to come out of the character’s emotional journey after the day’s shoot. Shailu did not come out of me for 15 days. I had to spend time with my mother to divert myself,” she added.
I’m thrilled to announce that the shoot for my latest project, “#Mangalavaaram” has officially wrapped up!
Can’t wait to show you our intriguing content .Keep your eyes on the updates 🤩@AJANEESHB @MudhraMediaWrks @DirAjayBhupathi @ACreativeWorks_ #SwathiGunupati #SureshVarmaM pic.twitter.com/CdZ8X1lvfF— paayal rajput (@starlingpayal) June 13, 2023
Actor Payal Rajput. (Supplied)
Coming to terms with the volatile showbiz industry, Payal Rajput says she changed as an actor ever since she landed in Tollywood.
“You’ll be acknowledged only if your film is a hit. If it is a flop, they’ll shoo you away,” she said, matter-of-factly.
“It is a very volatile and uncertain industry. There will be exhilarating highs and excruciating pains. It is painful for an actor. I changed myself in the last five years. I changed my base from Mumbai to Hyderabad. I feel quite settled and comfortable here,” Payal Rajput added.
When asked if she would team up again with her co-star Kartikeya, the actress replied that she would leave it to the actor Kartikeya.
“Certainly, I would want to reunite with him. However, it might manifest if there is the right story and the right team,” she signed off.
