'I am an actor, singer, and now, producer'

While many heroines feel marriage puts a full stop to their careers, Meghana Raj, who took up her first acting assignment post marriage, has proven otherwise. And now, she is all set to don another hat -- that of a producer, for a children’s film, titled Putaani Punters. 

The film is directed by debutant Pawan, a small screen actor known for his comedy show, Majaa Talkies. The launch ceremony later today will be attended by Arjun Sarja, Chiranjeevi Sarja and Dhruva Sarja.

Ahead of the film’s launch, Meghana speaks to Cinema Express about her new venture.  “An actor, singer, and now, a producer — that’s how I want to be known. Turning producer was an overnight decision and not something I thought through. Since I had already tried my hand at acting and singing, I thought being a producer was the next step. When I was looking for fresh content, I came across Pawan’s project, which I believe is a thorough entertainer,” she says.

However, Meghana was very clear about her terms and conditions. Especially that since she, as a woman was producing a children’s film, she didn’t want it to be looked at as parallel cinema. “I wanted it be an out-and-out commercial film, which everyone could connect with. This film is about three slum kids who become agents of change. We even had a workshop before we started shooting."

Meanwhile, the actor will be joining the sets of her next film, in which she is paired opposite Srujan Lokesh, from April 26. “Juggling between acting and production will be a roller coaster ride,” she says.

'Who said a heroine’s shelf life is five years?'

Meghana says marriage has never stopped her from following her passions. “My mother (actor Pramila Joshai) was an exception to the rule. Marriage didn’t stop her from pursuing her dreams, and she works to this day. It’s the same with other senior actors, Bharathi amma and Sumalatha to name a few. The whole idea that heroines stop work after marriage is only recent, probably from the 90s. Having said that, it is nice that all of us are getting good work after marriage now. It is a positive sign to those entering the industry. The five-year shelf life of a heroine is a lie,” says Meghana, adding, “I completed my previous commitments and took time to start my next project. It's all thanks to my family, who have been very supportive.”