Actress Padmapriya to focus on new films in 2014

Chennai: Having taken a sabbatical last year to complete her masters in public administration in New York University on a merit scholarship, popular actress Padmapriya is seeking to move beyond what she has done professionally by starring afresh in 2014.

"My sole objective is to move beyond what I have done professionally. To create a new resume of films and expressions is the only focal point for 2014 for me. Nothing else is getting my attention," she told PTI.

She returned two months ago and has been hearing a lot of scripts but declined to elaborate. "Professionally, I haven't done any film in 2013 as I was studying in NYU. I did do some student films for my friends in Tisch School (film school at NYU) but nothing other than that."

The feature film 'Papilio Buddha' dealing with discrimination against landless Dalits, shot in Wayanad in Kerala directed by Jayan and 'Thangameengal', directed by Ram, were guest appearances done much before she left for the US.

"Unfortunately, they both took a lot of time in their making. I did them because I like both these filmmakers and their craft.

"I am happy that Thangameengal was the only Tamil Film in International Film Festival of India and Papilio Buddha has been selected in the prestigious Berlin festival." Padmapriya says she is attracted to strong women roles but does not believe that she has been typecast into playing such characters.

"Whether it was Lakshmi in 'Kazcha', Mira in 'Vadakkumnathan', Sainaba in 'Amrutham', Nili in 'Pazhassi Raja', Kunni pennu in 'Naal Penungal' or Chella killi in 'Rajamanikkam' or character in 'Karutha Pakshigal', none are the crying types. At least I saw them as strong women who found solutions to their lives instead of succumbing or crying over it.

"As far as casting in Bollywood is concerned, it is extremely complex and not as simple. Being established in the South (for actresses) is not a roadmap to to Bollywood. What it does is make it easier to have a portfolio and network in the industry but that is not the only way one can get films in the North. It needs a far more dedicated effort to be out there."