Desi Making Waves

By Elaine G. Flores

Catch a Rising Star

The critically acclaimed Vanaja, which has been screened at film festivals from Cleveland, Ohio to Winnipeg, Canada and from Krakow, Poland to Mumbai, India and beyond, rests largely on the delicate shoulders of its leading actress, whom Roger Ebert has praised as "a natural star" in a rave review. He's talking about Mamatha Bhukya. If you're racking your brain trying to place the name, don't worry about it; you probably have never heard of her. The 16-year-old, who was born in a village called Garjanapalli in Andhra Pradesh, India was plucked from obscurity when she was in the eighth grade at a Telugu school. She had never acted or danced before taking on the role of the Kuchipudi dancer in Vanaja. With the help of an English translator, the young actress chatted with ABCDlady.

Let's start with a little info about your life before the movies: siblings, pets, hobbies. What typical teen things did you enjoy?
I born in Garjanapalli, a small village in Karimnagar District and studied there...Then I came to Hyderabad and continued my studies...We are six sisters, and I am the youngest. I love pets, but unfortunately I can't keep them as we stay in a flat. My hobbies are dancing, painting and listening to slow music.

Up until the movie, what was your wildest dream?
I wanted to become a fashion designer.

Being plucked from obscurity is a Hollywood dream. Would you please recount the process that led to this role? How were you approached? What was your initial reaction?
Rajnesh Ji [writer/director] asked me questions in an interview. He tested my memory and asked me to recollect six items. I still remember some them. Kunkum, leaf, pot, crow, etc. I forgot crow but said all the others. Then he asked me what I wanted to become, and I said "a doctor". He asked why, and I said, "Because I want to serve the poor." When I was selected I was very, very, very happy. I can't tell you.

Were any of your classmates or friends in the running for this role? If so, how did they react to the news that you got it? Was anybody jealous?
I was so excited and felt proud of getting selected among so many. There were nearly ten classmates running for this role. Some felt very happy and, of course, some were very jealous.

What was the conversation like with your parents when you first told them about this opportunity? Was there a lengthy decision-making process? Any concerns or worries?
When I was selected, I called everybody and told them. After hearing the story of the film about two weeks after selection, Rajnesh Ji told all of us, including our families, the story. When I went home, I told my parents that I wanted to act. They asked me to talk to my brother-in-law. He is an engineer. So I told him the story. He said it was good, so do it...then my mother and others also said yes.

How much did you know about the film industry before you stepped on to the set? Would you share some of your initial reactions, especially any "fish-out-of-water" moments?
I heard that it is a bad industry. But we felt reassured by Rajnesh Ji. He was a good person. He studied in Columbia [University in New York] and the story seemed different. So we immediately understood that it was different.

How long did shooting take? How did you handle schoolwork during the shoot?
Shooting took three months. After coming back, I caught up with my work and sat for my 9th class exams. I passed them.

Did you feel like you were missing doing anything that you would normally be doing with friends?
At that time, my best friends were the people who were already on the shoot.

Did you attempt to model yourself after any famous performers?
No, I was myself.

What was the most helpful advice you were given by the director?
He taught me acting. The most important thing he taught me was how to concentrate.

What are the biggest similarities between you and Vanaja? Biggest differences?
Naughtiness. We are very similar in that. But, she can be alone...I can't be.

How naturally did you take to the Kuchipudi dance training? How often and how long did it take to learn the dance style? Did you consider yourself a good dance before?
No. My legs used to hurt first. I was very afraid I wouldn't be able to learn it. I learned from Mr. Srinivas Devarakonda in ten months. I'm not yet a good dancer, but I want to learn still.

What kind of reaction have you received from people who know you well? Any funny or touching anecdotes to share? Do you feel that you are treated any differently?
At my previous school, when I came back from the shoot, my friends were not nice to me. They would not talk to me. They would walk away. So I changed [to another] college...In this college, they are all very nice.

What have been some of the exciting perks you have received since starring in this movie?
Rajnesh Ji gave us money. We bought land. He took me to Berlin. Now I'm in New York. He also took me to Goa and Kerala. For the first time, I got into a plane.

How has your day-to-day life changed and how has it stayed the same?
Going to school has not changed. I was going to school then. Now I am going to college.

What was the most surprising thing you discovered about yourself during this adventure?
I learned that I am strong inside. That I can do something.

Seeing as how you initially planned to be a doctor, what do you think of a medical career now? Does it still interest you?
No, I want to finish my studies first. Then I want to continue with acting and dance.

What would you say are your biggest goals in terms of your burgeoning showbiz career? What other types of movies and roles would you like to take on?
I want to do roles that show women well. They must be equal to men.

What would you now say was the most exciting day of your life, and what is your wildest dream?
When Rajnesh Ji chose me. I want to be a good actress.

For more on the film, check out: www.vanajathefilm.com.

Elaine G. Flores is a feature writer for Soap Opera Digest, columnist for the St. Louis American and freelance writer. She is a member of the National Association of Black Journalists and lives in New York.

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