Rukmini Vasanth, who made her silver screen debut with the Kannada film, Birbal, is slowly climbing the ladder of success. With Banaadariyalli, starring Ganesh, and Rakshit Shetty’s Saptha Sagaradaache Ello, lined up next, Rukmini is now all set to make her Tamil debut.
Rukmini has been roped in as the lead in Vijay Sethupathi’s next, directed by Arumugakumar (Oru Nalla Naal Paathu Solren), and the film was launched in Ipoh, Malaysia. The makers are planning an extensive 40-day schedule in Malaysia. Taking time off her busy schedule, Rukmini shares her excitement about working with Vijay Sethupathi, and stepping into the Tamil film industry.
It is common for actors to star in multiple languages, but it is not always that an actor gets to make her debut opposite a National Award-winning actor like Vijay Sethupathi.
“I am feeling over the moon and it’s just a tremendous opportunity to be working with Vijay Sethupathi Sir. I am not trying to put pressure on myself and want to enjoy the process of shooting with such an incredible actor. I am trying not to be awed by everything they do and just stay focused on what I can contribute. I am both excited and nervous,” says Rukmini, who tells us that she went through auditions to bag the role. “I also had to get familiar with Tamil, and say a few dialogues as part of my audition, and we just progressed from there,” she adds.
But how was it when things finally fell into place? “I know I am capable of a certain kind of performance in Kannada. But I was concerned whether I can provide an equally good performance in Tamil. So when the director was satisfied that I could meet his expectations of the character, it was a major source of encouragement,” she says.
On working with Vijay Sethupathi so early in her career, Rukmini says, “I feel extremely lucky. I don’t know how well I can express my thoughts. There is gratitude, and I’m amazed by my luck. With these kinds of opportunities, I would like to deliver the best I can,” she replies.
Picking a couple of favourites from his stellar filmography, Rukmini says, “It is a tie between 96 and Super Deluxe. Being a bit partial towards romantic films, I really loved the gentle and lyrical 96. But yeah, Super Deluxe is an exceptional film too. I love the idea of the ensemble cast in that film, and each character having such a beautiful arc,” she says.
Rukmini, who has begun shooting, says that she is not sure how much she can reveal about the project but assures that the film will be a fun ride. Does Rukmini consider her entry into Kollywood as a milestone? “As an actor, it is my debut, and in that respect, it is a significant milestone. But regardless of the language I am part of, I’m trying to focus on the story and how much I can contribute with my work,” she says.
As for Kannada, Rukmini has Baanadariyalli getting ready for release and has completed shooting for Saptha Sagaradaache Ello directed by Hemanth M Rao. “I still have a few portions left for Bagheera. Thankfully, Sriimurali, the lead hero, who suffered an injury, has recovered. We should be moving on to that project soon,” she signs off.