Dhanush's 'Thangamagan' is a raw and real film, says Amy Jackson

This pretty British model was discovered by director Vijay in 2009 and there's been no looking back for her since. Amy Jackson today considers India her second home and is well on her way to becoming one of the leading actresses in the country. With films in Tamil, Telugu and Hindi in her kitty, the 23-year-old has been busy since she entered the Indian film industry. Her movie with Dhanush, Thangamagan, is up for release on December 18. In  an exclusive chat with dna, she talks about Dhanush, Thangamagan and Superstar Rajinikanth.

What’s your role like in Thangamagan?
The movie is a family entertainer and everyone from kids to adults will enjoy it. My role is that of a teenager in this film. Usually, in all my films, I play characters that are older but in this movie I get to revisit my teenage years. In other films, I’ve had glamour and huge sets and other elements, but in this it’s the characters that are important – there’s nothing to hide behind. It’s a very raw and real film – the characters and acting is what is important.

This is your first film with Dhanush..
I’ve always wanted to work with Dhanush. He is extremely talented – he produced, acted, sang, wrote lyrics and even dialogues in Thangamagan. He's a National Award-winning actor as well. It was wonderful working with him because he is a great co-star. 

Dhanush and Amy in a scene from the movie

Was your role in Thangamagan tough?
Actually, I thought it would be, but surprisingly, I found it easy, because Dhanush and Velraj made it so comfortable for me. Dhanush is a talented actor and his energy rubs off on you and you can bounce off each other.

Samantha and you are co-stars in Thangamagan and Theri.
Samantha is a very beautiful, talented and sweet person. I see from her Twitter that she does a lot of work for charity and I think other heroines should actually learn this from her. 

A lot of actresses would love to work with Superstar Rajinikanth. You have signed Enthiran 2 with him..
Director Shankar is one of the best directors in India and when he signed me on for ‘I’, it was a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity. But it is a double whammy for me, because he also signed me on for Enthiran 2. (She says she can’t say anything more on the film).

So have you met Rajinikanth yet?
No, no, I haven’t. (Laughs) But I have read and seen everything about him. 

The actress in a scene from the movie with Dhanush

Are you comfortable in India now?
Acting is my career and where I want to be. But it was difficult initially because it’s a different country, different languages, etc. I was and am completely focused on work and now I see myself as a Pan-Indian actress. Mumbai is where I am based in India and it is home, but I obviously do travel around. In fact, I have more Hindi and Telugu films lined up next year. 

What do your friends and family back in Liverpool think about your career here?
I have been working in India for a few years now, so my life is here. Initially it did sound crazy to them, but now they know that this is my career and India is my second home. 

Do you like south Indian food?
Yes, I love it! I love the breakfast items like idli and dosa. Now I am learning how to cook it, so I can make it back home in Liverpool. (Smiles)