Shriya: ‘I’d love to do Sivaji 2’

Southern siren Shriya Saran is lapping up the accolades after Sivaji and looking to making it big in Bollywood

SHE’s huffing and puffing as she talks to us while on a shopping spree in home town Mumbai. “I’ve been so busy with Sivaji. Now at last I’m doing normal stuff like going out with my mum, friends, shopping and eating out while I enjoy a quick holiday with my folks,” says Shriya. The actress has been drawing accolades for her performance in Sivaji — even people in Mumbai are now addressing her as the Sivaji girl!

“It feels so surreal — so many SMSes, calls, interviews and appreciative fans. I knew Sivaji was going to be big, but not this gigantic,” she says. The actress has been jetsetting across various cities but made it to Chennai to catch the preview of the film with the cast along with her family. “My folks are my biggest critics and honest with their opinions. But they just loved me in this film,” she says.

In the midst of all the celebrations, Shriya’s also upset about something: “Everybody’s raving about my make-up in Sivaji and I’m glad they liked it. But it’s all being credited to somebody called Sandra. I’d like to clarify that it’s Bhanu and Maqbool who’ve done all the hard work. I want the media to give them their due.”

But the actress is all praise for both Rajnikanth and director Shanker. “I’m in awe of both of them. Shanker is very demanding and that’s what helped me deliver. I haven’t spoken to him recently, but after watching the preview, he came to me and said ‘good job’. Even Rajni sir said he was very happy with my performance. It was a double whammy for me that day,” she says excitedly. And has she read all the reviews of the film? “I don’t like to read reviews. I never read them, but I might after a month.”

Shriya’s also aware that expectations have risen post Sivaji; does that scare her? “No, I find it exciting. I’ve started enjoying the seemingly impossible. The compliments at the end are worth it. I’ve loved working with Shanker and would love to work with him again,” she says. The gloss sites are full of buzz that there might be a Sivaji 2 — true? “I haven’t heard of any such thing but I’d love to do it if there’s one,” she laughs.

Meanwhile, after an unsuccessful attempt at Bollywood a couple of years ago, Shriya will soon be seen in Mukesh Bhatt’s Awarapan. “I’m starring opposite Emraan Hashmi and it’s an awesome role. It’s an intense love story and is being directed by Mohit Suri. And sorry, there are no kisses in the film,” says Shriya.