Ananya means one-of-a-kind, unique or matchless in Sanskrit. She is the hot newcomer from God’s own country to make a mark with her debut film Nadodigal. Sify.com caught up with the bubbly actress in conversation on the sets of her maiden Telugu film in Hyderabad.
Why did you change your name Ayilya to Ananya?
Everyone thought that my name was complicated and not easy to remember. So, my mentor Sasikumar whom I call Mamman changed it. Now I am happy that my new name has brought luck and I have asked the producers of my two yet-to-be-released films in Malayalam to use my new name in the title card.
How did the acting bug catch you?
I hail from a middle class family in Perumbavoor near Kochi. Both my parents are government employees and from young days I was into lot of activities like Mono-act, mimicry, Kathaprasangam etc which I did at school competitions. My first film was Positive in Malayalam, then I got this offer from Tamil and after hearing the script, I was thrilled. Now I’am doing two films in Malayalam one with Jayaram and the other with Jayasurya.
Why were you thrilled?
The three films I did had me doing serious, matured roles. When Kani sir (Samuthirakani) narrated the character of Nallama the bubbly village girl who is crazy about food and her cousin, whom she calls Mama played by Sasi sir, it was interesting.
You have come up with and outstanding performance especially in the sentimental scene in the end. Please comment?
All credit goes to Mamman and Kani sir. I have done nothing and they helped me in every scene including my dubbing .
So you dubbed in your own voice?
Yes. Can you believe that I didn’t know a word in Tamil when I started the film? Again, I give all the credit to my director for giving me support and having confidence in me.
You were referring to Sasikumar as Mamman?
(Laughs loudly) That’s a big story. Throughout the film, if you have noticed, I am after him calling Mama, and slowly I started calling him like that even after the pack up. Now it’s difficult for me to change it.
How did this Telugu offer come?
When Nadodigal trailer was out, I got this offer. This is again a role which will suit me. I don’t think glamour is my cup of tea. There are enough girls to do eye candy roles. I think, I don’t fit into that category and I want to do some good films. It’s a big “no” to sleeveless, short dress and tights for me. And do you think I will look good in them?
Vinnai Thaandi Varuvaaya, which started with a bang and was reportedly going on at a great pace, has seen a sudden slackening in proceedings. The reason reportedly is that director Gautham Menon doesn’t seem too keen on getting on with it at the same pace as the initial stages. 
The Kollywood grapevine is abuzz that Vishal has gone to Himalayas to get some peace and solace. After the back to back failure of Sathyam and Thorannai, he is said to be depressed and needed some change. Let us hope this Himalayan sojourn would turn out to be good for him. He can still be a ‘saleable hero’ if he goes back to his “angry young man taking on the baddies” type of action roles, instead of doing “romantic comedies” that just does not suit him. Meanwhile industry sources has confirmed that producer Ramesh of Kanagaratna Films has backed out of his Theeratha Vilayattu Pillai. Now it looks like Vishal’s GK Corporation will have to produce this Thiru directed film for which he has signed Shriya, music director Yuvan Shankar Raja and cameraman Aravind Krishna. 
The audio launch of Chola Creations P Ltd’s Yadhu Maghi was a glittering affair at the Sathyam cinemas today morning (July 3). Attended by both established and new age directors, the film starring Sunaina and debutant Sachin, saw a good turn out of both guests and dignitaries. Directed by debutant R Balakumar, a former AD with Bhagyaraj, it was no wonder that Bhagyaraj was there to bless his protégé. Pandiraj, fresh from the success of Pasanga was also present to wish his colleague good luck. “We all worked together for Bhagyam magazine for Bhagyaraj sir. We would all gather at Woodlands and tell our stories to each other. I am thrilled that Balu and Santhanam (the art director) have done so well with their first film” said Pandiraj 
What is Dhanush doing these days? He is shooting in the dust and heat of Madurai for Vetrimaran’s Aadulakalam. When asked about the recent controversy about Trisha being replaced in the film, the actor refused to comment . dhanush, the doting father that he is, was very upset that he couldn’t be with his dear son Yatra on his first day at school. Remember that the Ash-Dhanush couple always avoids media glare and photographers, when it comes to their son. Says Dhanush: “I can’t believe that my son has started going to school. I always wonder why kids are send to school from such a young age. It was not too long ago that I remember my first day at school. However now my son has started enjoying the experience and has made a few friends in his kindergarten school”. The buzz from the unit says that Dhanush was tense as he was seen giving instructions over the phone, remote controlling everything from Madurai, on Yatra’s first day at school. Adds Dhanush: “I really missed being with him on that day. These are the small but very precious moments that one misses being an actor”. 
‘Aayirathil Oruvan’ starring Karthi, Andrea and Reema Sen, is said to be much awaited movie of the season. The movie directed by Selva Ragavan, is expected to be a racy thriller story with background scores equally paced. The movie is at last going to hit the big screens after being in construction for almost a couple of years. It already has been out that the lead heroine, Andrea, has crooned few songs in the movie. The music scores under the control of GV. Prakash are making rounds in the air as musical refreshments. His punchy track from the movie ‘Govinda…Govinda…’ are topping the chartbusters. He went on to repeat the same fabulous melody by portraying it in two different versions. The suspense of ‘Aayirathil Oruvan’ is going to unfold on 4th of July.
