Actress Sruthi Ramachandran is no more a newcomer to Mollywood. Her face is familiar to the movie-goers as the haunting ghost of 'Pretham,' the betraying girlfriend of 'Sunday holiday,' and Andrea of 'Chanakyathanthram.' Having debuted through Ranjith's Dulquer Salmaan- starrer 'Njan' in 2014, Sruthi became easily noticed for her subtle expressions, bright moon face and wide eyes. As her latest flick 'Nonsense' directed by MC Jithin hit the theatres on October 12, Sruthi opens up to Onmanorama about her entry into the film industry, her character in 'Nonsense' and her aspirations.
How did you reach the world of glamour after studying architecture?
In 2014, I quit my job as an architect in Mumbai and returned home for a break as I wanted to pursue higher studies. I have been a classical dancer since childhood. I make it to my old dance school whenever I get some time in Kochi. One day, (filmmaker) Ranjith paid a visit to that class and observed the practice-session for a while. He asked me whether I was interested to do a brief role in his upcoming movie starring Dulquer Salmaan. I had a fascination for movies deep in my mind but I never thought it would become a reality so soon. I went to the sets of 'Njan' as a mere outsider. I never knew movie-making is such a huge effort involving a large number of artists, technicians and massive technology. However, I discovered a new comfort-zone there. It was after 'Pretham' that I became passionate and serious about movies.
About your character in the movie 'Nonsense'
My character in 'Nonsense' is called Sheena Miss. I play the role of a strict school teacher. All of us would have had a teacher at school whom we loved despite his or her firmness. Sheena Miss is such a teacher.
The characters yo have done so far are very distinct from one another. How do you select roles?
I just look at how important the character is. If you take out that character from the script and the movie looks fine and normal, I wouldn't commit that project. I don't look at screen-time or screen-space. That is why I performed the character with a shade of grey in 'Sunday Holiday.' In 'Pretham' I played the role of a ghost. This time it is a ridiculously strict teacher in 'Nonsense.' Let's see how it works.
What hooked you the most in the movie 'Nonsense?'
It is my character in the movie which excited me the most. Apart from that, there is a tone of positivity all along the movie. The energy level and enthusiasm maintained by the director and the actors pumped me up. 'Nonsense' talks about dreams. I encourage anyone who watches it to follow their aspirations and dreams. It not only motivates the students to follow their passions but also communicates well with the parents about the need to discover and fuel up the dreams of children.
To which of your characters do you relate to the most?
Thankfully none. I have not performed a character which is close to me in any aspect. I had briefly worked as a teacher at a private college in Ernakulam. So I might relate to Sheena Miss of 'Nonsense' in terms of profession but I am sure I wasn't a strict teacher like her. To be frank, I don't find it interesting to do characters which are close to your real-life personality. There wouldn't be much prospects for acting or impersonation in that.
About your family and educational background...
My father is a businessman and my mother, a teacher. My younger sister Kavya is a theatre artist. My husband Francis is a writer and he is into advertising. My family is my biggest support system. I am thankful to them for where I am right now. After studies at Choice school, Ernakulam. I did my bachelors in architecture from the University School of Design, Mysore. Then I worked for a couple of years as a young architect in Mumbai and later did my Masters in Sustainable Architecture.
In which of your areas of interest do you see your future in?
That is a confusing question. As a child, I used to perform classical dance at school. Back then I did not know dancing is a career option as such. I don't know whether cinema was one of my fantasies as a youngster. When I developed a passion for designs and structures, I pursued my higher education in architecture. After setting up a career in architecture, I switched my realm to cinema. At present, cinema is my core area of interest. I am looking forward to set up a successful career in the movie industry.
What is the most embarrassing feedback you have ever received?
As I am a fresh face, people usually identify me in the name of my characters. I regard it as an achievement because people remember the face of my characters because I did justice to them. Well, after the first show of 'Sunday Holiday', when I got out of the theatres, a group of youngsters called out my character's name and said 'Ah, here comes the theppukaari (betrayer.)' I was embarrassed and shocked. It was a first-of-its-kind experience for me. Later, I adjusted with the reality and started taking such responses as appreciation to my work.
About your upcoming movie projects...
I just finished the production schedules of a Tamil web-series called 'Dollhouse Diaries.' It narrates the story of a married couple where the husband suffers from 'narcissistic personality disorder.' I play the character of wife. The series is a revenge story of an abused wife. Amit Bhargava, the popular Tamil television actor, has written its screenplay. He also plays the role of my character's husband. I am also working on a Telugu project called 'Dear Comrade' opposite Vijay Devarakonda.
