I got inspired from Kamal Haasan and Rajinikanth and wanted to act in Tamil Films says “Aarudhra” actress Meghali

My mother has been a huge inspiration for me, and she’s the reason why I got interested in music and theatre says Sketch fame #Meghali. In my school days, I used to be part of dramas based on Rabindranath Tagore’s work, and I’d do it with much enthusiasm. So, I was more than excited when I landed my first film — it was a Bengali film called Nirbhoya and was based on the Delhi gang rape case that shook the country.

The first scene I shot for that film was the one where the girl succumbs to her injuries at the hospital. It was a difficult, emotional scene, but I felt at ease in front of the camera; there was no fear, not even an inkling of doubt. I felt more confident facing the camera than off it. Though I am a Bengali, I’d spend time watching Rajinikanth and KamalHaasan films on TV. My mom is a huge fan of theirs, and I remember we would watch Sadma (the Hindi remake of Moondram Pirai) whenever it played on TV.

I admired Rajini sir’s sense of style and how he made action sequences look so cool. Because I was so inspired by them, I packed my bags and came to Chennai to pursue a career in Kollywood. “Tamil kathukitten, ippo nallave pesuven”. Once here, I heard that Pa Vijay sir was looking for a Malayali girl to cast in his film, Aarudhra. I met him at his office and he told me what kind of look he was expecting for the lead heroine. So, I met him again, dressed in traditional Kerala sari. He thought I’d suit the part and I was on board immediately.

My first-ever shot for the film was done on a day when it poured incessantly. It was a scene where we are doing puja for a cow. We were in Pollachi, the spot was slushy, and the rain had made it worse, but I had fun shooting. But if there was ever a time when I was super nervous, it was when I had to shoot with Vikram sir for Sketch. While I was working on Aarudhra I got a call for a small part in Sketch. My hands started shaking and I was shivering when I had to shoot with him. But he was cool about it, and told me not to get nervous. That was one day of my shooting life I’ll never forget.