Before she entered cinema, Shraddha Srinath was a lawyer. An unhappy one at that. “I always felt that I didn’t belong there,” she tells me when I call her for an interview. She was not interested in films, either, but was a “passionate theatre artiste”. “Every day, I would think of quitting law, but it took a while to convince my parents.”
When her digital commercials landed her the role of the second lead in Malayalam film Kohinoor (2015) though, she took it up. Kannada film U Turn followed. It premiered at the New York Indian film festival, and then released in India to rave reviews. Currently, after her first full-fledged role in Tamil film Ivan Thanthiran (which ran for just a weekend before the theatre strike), Shraddha is awaiting the release of Vikram Vedha and Richie.
Ivan Thanthiran is back in the theatre…
When I heard the news of the re-release, I was very happy. I would find a 100 faults in my performance whenever I saw my film, but I thoroughly enjoyed watching Ivan Thanthiran. Personally, it was the first film in which I had a long-enough role as the female lead. Having said that, it was a big blow for the entire team when the cinema halls shut down due to additional taxation.
Do you find it odd that when almost everyone – directors, actors and producers – expressed outrage at the dual taxation, none of the actresses spoke up?
I was focusing on my film, and couldn’t tweet or express concern as I didn’t have a clear picture about the issue. By the time I wanted to talk, it was resolved.
One of your upcoming releases is Vikram Vedha, a movie with two heroes.
I play a lawyer, Priya, in this film. I don’t just play Madhavan’s love-interest; my role is substantial. There’s strength in my character. I had many scenes with Madhavan. He is someone who is sure of his talent. He elevated other performers as well with his guidance.
Vijay Sethupathi, at a recent press meet, remarked that he liked your ‘colour’. ‘Namma ooru colour,’ he said.
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Yes, it was a compliment and I was glad to hear it. He said I look like a Tamil girl. I hope it will work to my advantage in this industry. I’m yet to experience it, though.
Your other release, Richie, is said to be an action-crime thriller.
I play Megha, a crime journalist in Richie. The tale is narrated from Megha’s perspective. According to the script, Megha is a Manapad-based girl, who gets back to town to investigate a crime scene.
Is there anything that annoys you about the industry?
Time. I am a very punctual person, and I’m always on time. Either I have to adapt to the industry ‘timing’ or the industry has to be more punctual. It is easier to change yourself, though.
Vikram Vedha is scheduled to release on July 21.