Legendary filmmaker Singeetham Srinivasa Rao is coming up with his prestigious project Sing Geetham. Nag Ashwin is producing the film under the banners of Vyjayanthi Movies and Swapna Cinema. Ahilya Bamroo plays the female lead opposite Ayaan, and the film will get a worldwide release on June 12.
Speaking about how she landed the project, Ahilya reveals that her journey into the film began through social media. “I create content and post it on Instagram. Nag Ashwin garu came across my content and approached me about Sing Geetham. Interestingly, I even gave my audition through Instagram,” she says with a laugh, adding that she did not view Instagram as a pathway to films. “I never really planned on becoming an actor. I focused solely on creating content for Instagram."
For Ahilya, Sing Geetham marks her Telugu debut, with her acting debut being with Shoojit Sircar-Abhishek Bachchan's I Want To Talk. “I previously acted in the Hindi film I Want to Talk, directed by Shoojit Sircar and starring Abhishek Bachchan. Sing Geetham is my second film overall and my first in Telugu,” she says, as she recalls her first day on the set. Ahilya admitted she was nervous as she could not speak the language. “I was scared because I didn’t know Telugu. But the entire team made me feel like part of a family. Before the shoot began, I started learning Telugu online, and that training helped me a lot. Now, I can speak a little Telugu,” she says.
Expressing her love for South Indian cinema, Ahilya says she admires the passionate Telugu moviegoers. “I love South India. Telugu audiences have immense passion for cinema, and it feels wonderful to work in an industry that receives so much love and support from moviegoers."
Ahilya says she immediately accepted the project after learning that Singeetham Srinivasa Rao was directing it and Nag Ashwin was producing it. “Since Sing Geetham is set against a musical backdrop and I love singing and playing the guitar, I felt it would be a perfect way to begin my journey in Telugu cinema. I consider myself fortunate to have been selected for this project,” she says.
Sharing her experience of working with Singeetham Srinivasa Rao, Ahilya was full of praise for the veteran filmmaker. “He is a phenomenal director who has made many iconic films. He also has a wonderful sense of humour. Working under his direction is a privilege. All of Singeetham garu’s films have been ahead of their time, and Sing Geetham is no different. This is a concept that Indian cinema has never attempted before. At the age of 94, only someone like him can come up with such a modern and fresh idea."
Speaking about her role, Ahilya says she plays a strong and independent character. “Everyone knows how brilliantly Singeetham garu writes his characters. The women in his films are always strong and independent. My role in this film is very different and not a typical heroine’s role. She knows exactly what she wants and has a strong personality. I admire him for that, too. Interestingly, even the antagonist in the film is a woman, which is quite rare,” she says.
She believes the film will appeal to audiences of all ages. “This is a story with universal appeal. From children to adults, everyone will be able to enjoy and connect with it,” she adds, as she also reveals producer Nag Ashwin’s admiration for the legendary filmmaker. “He is a huge admirer of Singeetham garu, and his taste is reflected in the film as well. He interacted with every actor and offered valuable suggestions. While the direction is entirely Singeetham garu’s vision, Nag Ashwin ensured that everything needed to make the film better was in place. He also played a key role in the creative process,” she says.
When asked about her dream role, Ahilya said she would love to star in action films. “I enjoy action movies and would love to take up such roles in the future," she says as she calls Mahesh Babu her favourite without any hesitation. “I really like Mahesh Babu. He is a brilliant actor,” she says, as she signs off, revealing she is a part of a Tamil project next.