Why Kannada actress Pooja Gandhi was shaken

The notorious Dandupalya gang is not something that people in Karnataka and its neighbouring states will forget.

Acts of murder, rape and burglary put them on the most wanted list of the State police. Both men and women were part of this gang and actor Pooja Gandhi will be seen essaying the role of Lakshmi, one such woman who was crucial to the operations of this gang, in the Kannada film Dandupalya, that is set for release this Friday.

The film being directed by Srinivasa Raju, sparked a series of controversies including the one where residents of Dandupalya village demanded that the title be changed as they felt it “defamed” them and their village. But the film made it to primetime news and front pages of newspapers only after Pooja Gandhi’s bare-back photographs from a scene were released. We kick start our conversation with the actor on this very issue…

Do you think too much fuss was made over your movie stills?
Tell me what isn’t made into an issue these days? And I really did not have to wait to do this film to expose myself! People have to understand that I play the role of Lakshmi, a thick skinned woman. She belongs to a gang of criminals and is fearless. Even when the police arrest her, she keeps her cool and refuses to reveal anything about her gang. This is when the cops get down to torturing her and the stills you have seen depict one such 15-second shot. When you see the movie, you will realise why it has been picturised that way. And you’ll also feel that actually it is the dialogues and expressions that intensify that scene.

Tell us more about Lakshmi…
She is brilliant, street smart, scary and fearless. Despite being uneducated, she is someone who understands law like a lawyer would! In fact a dialogue in the film even suggests how she can defend her own case when produced in court! She has a lot of fire in her. It is this character that brought out the performer in me. I took three months to say yes to this project. But now, I am proud that I did. I did not know I had an actor of this calibre in me. In fact, my performance scared me! Playing Lakshmi has given me a lot of confidence.

Ranganayaki promises to be one such...
Ranganayaki tells a beautiful story. It is about love and betrayal. I play a classical dancer in the film. Hoovi is the other film I am looking forward to. It is the story of a village girl who comes to the city to attend a political rally. I will start shooting for it in July in North Karnataka.

Dirty Picture was also offered to you…
I have nothing to do with that film and it’s a petty issue that I choose not to comment on.

Tell us about the Malayalam film you are doing…
It is simple and beautiful. I play a tomboy in this flick and even got to ride a Bullet. You will see me in a comical avatar here.

Do you think these films are good enough to silence your critics who feel you are not much in demand?
A star can only ensure a good opening. The rest depends on the content. I have filmmakers approaching me and this means people love my performances. And I don’t want eight releases in a year anymore. I feel I am evolving as an actor and am cautious about the films I sign.

You recently joined a political party, what’s happening on that front?
I am committed to the empowerment of women. I am currently working for the welfare of sex workers. Next, I will be touring North Karnataka to create awareness regarding child labour.