Exposing on screen is not in my comfort zone, says 'Rajini Murugan' actress Keerthy SureshJan 23(AZINS) The 23-year-old actress has just had a hit each in the Tamil and Telugu film industries. Keerthy Suresh has gotten off to a great start in 2016 and she seems to be enjoying her film journey. In an exclusive chat with dna, the pretty actress opens up about her success, her films and what she's looking forward to.

When you signed Rajini Murugan, did you think it would be a superhit?

In general, I never expect anything whether it's myself, my career or anything. it's just that I have a positive spin about it. When I started shooting for the film, I didn't know what (the film) Varuthapadatha Valibar Sangam (VVS) was or what Sivakarthikeyan was— not who, but what he was to the audience. After I started the shoot, I watched VVS and I understood it was the same team that was coming together so it should be good. Even when the movie's release kept getting delayed, I always had a positive vibe about it. Ultimately it released for Pongal, better than any of the days we thought of. I never expect anything because I like it when the result is far beyond my expectations.

You have films in Tamil, Malayalam and Telugu. How did you get offers from all industries at the same time?

It just happened in a flow. It wasn't due to pressure from anyone. Not everyone knew I could speak Tamil. I think it was majorly because of director Vijay and his film Idhu Enna Maayam. That was my first film but director Ponram had approached me even before Vijay sir. Rajini Murugan got delayed.

A lot of people would say you are quite lucky— three industries and two superhits in Rajini Murugan (Tamil) and Nenu Sailaja (Telugu).

I really don't know about the luck factor but I believe it's all God's blessings. Luck is an important factor. I don't want to say I'm lucky or unlucky (laughs). I'm just happy that God has blessed me with such good projects and such good results.

Your parents were part of the film industry. What advice did they give you?

My mom gave me advice only when I started my first film Geethaanjali. She said, "Be punctual and make sure you treat and respect everyone the same way - from the unit boy to the director".

As an actress, one has to deal with success and failure. How have you prepared for that?

I'm just making sure that I'm choosing the right projects and I'm on the right track. For instance, in Idhu Enna Maayam, it didn't do well but that I was happy that it was probably the best debut I would get in Tamil. I had a different type of role in that film - an urban character called Maya and she looked good on screen thanks to Nirav Shah and director Vijay. In Rajini Murugan, I have a traditional look. So someone who sees both the films will understand the variations I can do and knows I can pull off both the modern and traditional look. I make sure all my characters are different and the mood and situations are different too in every film. I ensure my roles are not stereotypical. The audience shouldn't get bored. In my next movie with Dhanush and director Prabhu Solomon, I have a very de-glam role which is different from what I've done so far.

In films, the glam factor is important. What would you say no to?

The typical glamour that we talk about here, like where I have to expose a lot, I will definitely not do. It's not in my comfort zone and it won't suit me either. Anything I'm not comfortable with, like clothes or scenes, I will not do. I'm very clear on that. I know to an extent we need glamour in the industry but I've a feeling that films have started changing. In Nenu Sailaja, my character was very beautiful and conservative and it still worked. Even in Rajini Murugan it worked. I have a feeling that homely will work. When I'm playing such homely characters, I make sure I bring a difference in how I play them.

Did you think you'd bag a Dhanush movie so early on in your career?

Not really. (Laughs) It only strikes me when people ask me! Prabhu Solomon sir approached me. Apparently, he chooses actresses for their eyes but I think he chose me for my smile. I remember that's what he told me. The character is very innocent in the movie so he said my smile would look good.

There are rumours you've signed the Vijay film, the Mahesh Babu film...

Yes, even I've been seeing the stories. But I haven't. I think people want me to sign these films. Maybe I should just say yes, I've signed them! (laughs)

Growing up, who were the actresses who were your idol?

It was always my mother (actress Menaka). She used to share her experiences during her acting days and that's what tempted me to come into the industry. Then I liked Simran a lot.

Are you one of those actresses whose mother tags along to sets?

No, not at all. My mother is quite happy when I go alone for shoots. She trusts me. (Laughs) She just makes sure that when she has time, she visits all my sets once.

Now that 2016 has started off on a good note. What hopes for the year?

I just want to give my best. I have a few releases this year, Paambu Saattai and Dhanush's sir's film possibly in summer. When one looks at the history of what movies I did in 2016, it should look good.