n a recent visit to Bengaluru, actress Sriya Reddy, who made a notable comeback with the film Salaar, shared insights into her life choices and the evolving landscape of the film industry. Having taken a 10-year break from movies, Reddy expressed gratitude for the hiatus, citing it as a period that taught her valuable lessons in patience and appreciation for the present.
Reflecting on her career choices, Reddy recalled the initial skepticism she faced when signing up for Thimiru, a Tamil hit in 2005. Despite criticism for her decisions, including getting married, she stands by the satisfaction those choices brought her. In 2023, with Salaar, she expresses contentment and gratitude for where her journey has led.
Discussing the transformations in the film industry, Reddy highlighted the shift from a focus solely on heroines to a more inclusive approach. She noted the emergence of various platforms, including streaming services, providing opportunities for actors to showcase their talents. Reddy, known for embracing challenging roles, welcomed the diversity in character portrayals.
Expressing enthusiasm for the current state of the industry, Reddy praised the emergence of strong female characters in films. She acknowledged the evolution from one-dimensional characterizations, such as ‘villi’ in the south and ‘vamp’ in the north, to more nuanced and empowering roles for women.
However, Reddy candidly shared the toll that intense roles take on her mental well-being. Admitting she is not a seasoned actor and lacks formal acting methods, she emphasized the time and effort it takes to immerse herself in and recover from challenging roles.
Reddy also touched upon her approach to social media, emphasizing a sense of moral responsibility. She stated her preference for avoiding provocative content to sidestep negative comments and acknowledged the humbling experience of instant audience feedback in the digital age.
Commenting on the topic of nepotism, Reddy acknowledged its existence to an extent, acknowledging that having a filmi background might offer an initial advantage. However, she stressed the importance of hard work and talent in sustaining a career, noting that audiences and industry professionals today recognize and reward genuine skill.
In the fast-paced world of social media, Reddy shared her experiences of anxiously awaiting audience reactions, especially in the wake of Salaar’s release. She highlighted the shift from waiting for reviews to instant, real-time feedback, underscoring the changing dynamics of audience engagement in the digital era.
