I want my market value: Priya Mani

A National award and now two Filmfare awards — for Paruthi Veeran and Thirakatha — have set Priya Mani charting a POA for the future.
The Bangalorean lass now has a Mani Ratnam film, which she has pinned her hopes on — “No, I’m not playing Surpanaka in it” — a biggie Telugu film titled Pravarkyudu — “It’s a performance-oriented role” — and Raam with namma Appu. “Until now, I had my doubts about doing a Kannada film because the market for it is restricted to Karnataka, unlike other regional films. But an offer opposite Puneet Rajkumar in a film directed by Madesh of Gaja fame was like a perfect launch vehicle in Kannada,” says Priya Mani.

And she has no regrets that her talent has only found a mention in the media and among critics in recent times. “It’s taken me five years to get here. It’s only after Paruthi Veeran that people started noticing my acting skills. So, I’m happy I found fame after much struggle rather than becoming a superstar in my first film,” explains the actress.

The awards and acclaim that have come her way, she says, have only made her resolve of taking up substantial roles stronger. So, no more bikini acts? “I wore the bikini in Drona for fun. Besides, after Nayanthara in Billa, there was this notion that no other actress would be willing to wear a bikini. But my director felt I’d look good in it. I too was convinced and felt wearing a bikini would be a change from my usual image. It drew its share of reviews — both good and not-so-good ones. I also haven’t got any new offers to wear a bikini,” says a candid Priya.

A bikini act and a kitty full of awards. Will she now hike her price? “There’s nothing wrong in hiking my price. I’ve delivered three consecutive hits, so I think it’s justified. And tell me which actress doesn’t hike her price these days? And I’m only asking for my market value — pay me my price and I’ll do your film,” she asserts.