‘I am the master of my decisions’

Chirpy Genelia carved a niche for herself in Tollywood by playing meaty roles even in star-centric films.

Close on the heels of her award-winning performance in Bommarillu, she tickled the funny bones of the audience in Ready. But in her last release Sasirekha Parinayam, she boldly walks out of her marriage fixed by her male chauvinist father, without her consent. “The character is forced to take a call and she does it with ease,” says the actress. Having showcased her versatility, she is now charting a new course by doing a female-centric film Katha. “It’s a new experience altogether,’ she quips. Reportedly, she is playing a school teacher and the film revolves around her character. Is it difficult to carry a film on her slim shoulders? “I don’t think so, though my role is central to the film, it’s backed by a solid script,’ she reasons. Now that she’s joining the band of actresses doing female-centric roles, will she stop doing star-centric films? “I like to do a good mix of solid roles and the song and dance routine as well,” she avers. Apparently, she will be teaming up with hotshot Ram Charan Tej for her next film. “It’s a cute love story revolving around just three characters and will be shot entirely in the US,” she informs.

Besides Tollywood, she’s made a mark in Bollywood and Kollywood too. In Bollywood she had to contend with a blockbuster Jaane Tu Ya Jaane Naa together with the dud Mere Baap Pehle Aaap in quick succession in 2008. “I have four more Hindi films in the pipeline,” she says. However, she is excited to talk about one of her films Life Partner with actor Fardeen. “I play the role of a super rich, haughty girl and it was difficult portraying alien emotions,” the actress confesses. Alien emotions? What exactly do you mean? “Personally, I couldn’t relate to that egocentric character,’ she explains. Was she able to relate to her other roles? “Of course, since many of the roles reflect a part of my personality,” she elaborates. Is she a bubbly, cheerful person who lives life on her own terms? “I am the master of my decisions and no two ways about it,” she explains. Even her endorsements reflect the same spirit. “I have got the best from both worlds without planning for it,” she quips.

She was on a high when folks praised her good looks. But before you jump to a conclusion, we are not talking about her flirtiest co-star but about a bunch of kids who are sharing screen space with her in Katha. “It was the best compliment I ever got. I have been appreciated by directors and actors but this one’s special since it’s straight from the heart of tiny tots,” says the actress, not without a hint of satisfaction.

Coming to the personal front, she rubbishes rumours about her link up with Rithesh Deshmukh. “I am still single and I understand that public figures are bound to be under the scanner, but we need to look beyond,” she shoots back.