Who says I’m the highest paid? Asks Illeana
Who says I’m the highest paid? Asks Illeana
Illeana D'Cruz or simply Illeana to her fans is the new glamour girl of Telugu cinema.She almost deserves the title of `Golden Girl’ with massive successes in a row.She was born on 19th August, 1987 in Mumbai, but her family is now settled in Goa.She has three sisters and two brothers.She took to modeling at a very early age and performed very well in the profession.
She burst into the scene with a famous 'Fair and Lovely' commercial directed by ace ad film director Rakesh Roshan.It was form here that she was spotted by director Y.V.S.Chowdary and offered a role in his Telugu movie 'Devadasu in 2006.
Here she starred opposite Ram who was also making his debut on the screen.The film was an instant hit and overnight turned Illeana into a star.The critics applaud her sensitive portrayal of a woman who fights against her father for her love in the movie.Her life was destined to change in the same year and she got the offer to play the role of Shruthi in the film 'Pokiri' directed by Puri Jagannadh.Her co-star in this was prince Mahesh Babu.
The character she played was of an innocent girl haunted by a corrupt police officer.The film not only appealed to the urban masses but was a super hit in the rural aread.The film broke all the box-office records of Telugu filmdom and went on to become the biggest hit in history grossing over Rs.66 Crores.After this sensational hit, she was in the numero uno slot among the actresses in the Telugu film industry.
And, arguably, one of the highest paid actresses.Illeana, among the current generation actresses. commands a huge following.Here is excerpts from our conversation.....
Q: What is your parent's reaction in being recognized as a star's parents?A: They are very proud of my success and is always a great support to me.Not only Mummy and Daddy, but the whole of my family is very supportive to me.
Q: How was it working with heroes like Pawan Kalyan, Junior NTR and Mahesh Babu?A: My heroes Pawan Kalyan and Mahesh Babu are both reserved people.They never used to interfere with others' works - their policy was to keep to themselves, complete their work and go.Junior NTR (Tarak) is fun to work with.He mingles with every one easily.But they are all real professionals in that they all work equally hard for scenes’betterment.
Q: How are you enjoying the success of 'Jalsa' and good response for your role in 'Bhale Dongalu?
A: It is a double bonanza for me.I am really happy about the success of the both the films!
Q: Your film 'Pokiri' was much bigger success than the debut film 'Devadas...
A: True, but 'Devadas' is always close to my heart as it is my debut film and the character I did in 'Devadas' is close to my original self.So I love 'Devadas' a lot, not that I don't love 'Pokiri', but I surely like 'Devadas' more.
Q: How did the flops like 'Khatarnak' and 'Munna' affect you?
A: For every film we put in the same hard work.Will the flops affect us? Surely, yes! But nothing is in our hands.And, I do not think everyone keeps giving hits constantly, right?
Q: You worked with best directors in Telugu.How was your interaction with them?
A: I am very lucky to work with wonderful directors like YVS Choudary gaaru, Puri Jagannadh, Krishnavamsi, V.N.Aditya, Trivikram Srinivas gaaru, Vijaya Bhaskar gaaru etc.It is luck and my hard work which paid off to work with such a great directors
She burst into the scene with a famous 'Fair and Lovely' commercial directed by ace ad film director Rakesh Roshan.It was form here that she was spotted by director Y.V.S.Chowdary and offered a role in his Telugu movie 'Devadasu in 2006.
Here she starred opposite Ram who was also making his debut on the screen.The film was an instant hit and overnight turned Illeana into a star.The critics applaud her sensitive portrayal of a woman who fights against her father for her love in the movie.Her life was destined to change in the same year and she got the offer to play the role of Shruthi in the film 'Pokiri' directed by Puri Jagannadh.Her co-star in this was prince Mahesh Babu.
The character she played was of an innocent girl haunted by a corrupt police officer.The film not only appealed to the urban masses but was a super hit in the rural aread.The film broke all the box-office records of Telugu filmdom and went on to become the biggest hit in history grossing over Rs.66 Crores.After this sensational hit, she was in the numero uno slot among the actresses in the Telugu film industry.
And, arguably, one of the highest paid actresses.Illeana, among the current generation actresses. commands a huge following.Here is excerpts from our conversation.....
Q: What is your parent's reaction in being recognized as a star's parents?A: They are very proud of my success and is always a great support to me.Not only Mummy and Daddy, but the whole of my family is very supportive to me.
Q: How was it working with heroes like Pawan Kalyan, Junior NTR and Mahesh Babu?A: My heroes Pawan Kalyan and Mahesh Babu are both reserved people.They never used to interfere with others' works - their policy was to keep to themselves, complete their work and go.Junior NTR (Tarak) is fun to work with.He mingles with every one easily.But they are all real professionals in that they all work equally hard for scenes’betterment.
Q: How are you enjoying the success of 'Jalsa' and good response for your role in 'Bhale Dongalu?
A: It is a double bonanza for me.I am really happy about the success of the both the films!
Q: Your film 'Pokiri' was much bigger success than the debut film 'Devadas...
A: True, but 'Devadas' is always close to my heart as it is my debut film and the character I did in 'Devadas' is close to my original self.So I love 'Devadas' a lot, not that I don't love 'Pokiri', but I surely like 'Devadas' more.
Q: How did the flops like 'Khatarnak' and 'Munna' affect you?
A: For every film we put in the same hard work.Will the flops affect us? Surely, yes! But nothing is in our hands.And, I do not think everyone keeps giving hits constantly, right?
Q: You worked with best directors in Telugu.How was your interaction with them?
A: I am very lucky to work with wonderful directors like YVS Choudary gaaru, Puri Jagannadh, Krishnavamsi, V.N.Aditya, Trivikram Srinivas gaaru, Vijaya Bhaskar gaaru etc.It is luck and my hard work which paid off to work with such a great directors
Q: Illeana!...You also worked in a Tamil film.Any plans of continuing there?
A: My film in Tamil 'Kedi' with Ravi Krishna, didn't do well at box-office, and I was not really happy working in Tamil either.I had a bad experience working in that film.So I am not really keen to work in Tamil films in future, unless a good opportunity comes in.Though I was offered the Tamil version of 'Pokiri', I was unable to work for it then, due to a clash of dates with the other Tamil film I was doing and I also met with an accident.
Q: Are you working in Hindi films now?
A: Recently I signed for a film with Sharukh Khan, in a film being directed by Sangeeth Sivan, which is a remake of Mahesh Babu's 'Athadu'.
Q: How do you rate yourself as an actress?
A: I am working hard and I am improving with every film, I could say, but I think others should tell that, and not myself (laughs).
Q: How do you feel being the highest paid actress in Telugu?
A: Who said I am highest paid? All those are rumors, and I do not think I am at that level where people cannot reach me! I am reasonably paid...not over-paid definitely.
Q: Being a star, don't you think you miss friends and family more?
A: Not really.I know many people who like to leave everything for this stardom.I am very fortunate to get this life.I haven't missed much as I do not have many friends.I have very little, close circle of friends, and I am always in touch with them.And whatever I am today, my family was always there for me.I am fortunate that way too.
Q: Illeana!...Are you in love with anyone?
A: (Laughs)...No, I am not, and I do not have time for off-screen romance!
Q: What are your future projects?
A: As of now, I am on a vacation with my family and I am just catching up with things and taking rest.I haven't yet signed any new film.I will let you know soon.
Q: Do you see yourself as a Goan or a Mumbai-ite?
A: Part of both.My Dad is from Goa and my mom is from Mumbai.I was in Mumbai for the first ten years of my life and then we shifted to Goa.
Q: What are your hobbies?
A: Loves reading books, listening to music and swimming are my hobbies.
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