Lakshmi Manchu learnt to smoke for 'Chandamama Kathalu'

 Director Praveen Sattaru says he made actress Lakshmi Manchu learn how to smoke for her role in Telugu anthology film "Chandamama Kathalu". He says it was essential for her character.

Lakshmi plays super model Lisa Smith in the film, which is touted to be Telugu cinema's first anthology movie.

"Lakshmi doesn't smoke in real life but I wanted her to smoke for the role. She initially hesitated but after she understood how essential it was for her role, she agreed to do it," Praveen said.

"I wanted her to look authentic, so she had to smoke for a while to actually look like a super model. It wasn't easy, but she did it for the role. Her role will be one of the highlights of the film," he added.

Starring Chaitanya Krishna, Naresh, Aamani, Richa Panai and Krishnudu, "Chandamama Kathalua" features eight short stories.