Actress Pia Bajpai will next be seen in director Lakshmy Ramakrishnan’s Nerungi Vaa Muthamidathe. The Goa star revealed that her role in the film was challenging. “I am not a bubbly, happy girl in Nerungi Vaa Muthamidathe, like how I was seen in other movies. This character demanded a lot out of me. Every day at the end of shoot, I would be emotionally drained,” said Pia. She plays a strong urban girl, who faces her struggles alone. “The movie is about the life of four strangers and what happens to them when they meet. I love the way my character has been written.”
Calling Lakshmy Ramakrishnan a ‘no-nonsense’ director, Pia declared that she is her inspiration. “I think all actors should work with a woman-filmmaker. My experience of working with Lakshmy was extraordinary. She never abused or screamed on the sets. She respected her artistes. And the shooting was well planned.”
Pia had watched Lakshmy’s directorial debut Aarohanam, and has since been waiting for an opportunity to work with the filmmaker. “I loved her first film. I am in awe of her sensibility to portray characters with depth,” she said.
The actress is also working on director Priyadarshan’s Malayalam film, Aamayum Muyalum. She spoke to us from Karaikudi (or “Karaaaikudi”), where she is currently shooting.
Recommended
Talking about the experience, Pia revealed that she was quite nervous initially. “In 2008, Priyadarshan produced my first film Poi Solla Porom. We were about to work together in a Hindi film after that, but unfortunately, it didn’t materialize. So, working with him now is a dream-come-true for me. He is my godfather, I couldn’t handle my nerves and excitement.”
Nerungi Vaa Muthamidathe, set in the backdrop of petrol crisis, features an ensemble cast of Sruthi Hariharan (of Lucia fame) and debutant Shabeer. It releases on October 14.