‘Iconic characters put us through constant learning’

Hariprriya is getting to play iconic characters consistently. The actor, who was seen as Maya in the mythological drama Kurukshetra, is now excited that she will be seen as Siddhambe in the upcoming historical drama, Bicchugatti: Chapter 1  Dalvayi Dange or the next Amruthamathi directed by Baraguru Ramachandrappa.

Bicchugatti.., directed by Hari Santhosh, has her paired opposite Rajavardan, who plays the role of Baramanna Nayaka. “Historical or mythological films are rarely made, especially when it is a story based on our history. While it is a golden opportunity, it is also a cautious attempt from my end when I take up such characters. When we represent a story, which is already a known subject to the common people, there is bound to the comparison. The checklist will include everything, right from the story, dialogues, costumes and locations. The treatment given to such films by filmmakers is different from the regular films, which is also challenging and one of the first reasons for me to accept Bicchugatti,” Hariprriya tells Cinema Express ahead of the film’s release on February 28.

The actor, who is essaying the role of Siddhambe will be seen in two shades in the film. “I do have two shades to my character in Bicchugatti, but director Hari Santhosh would want to reveal the details in theatres. As far as I know, Siddhambe was a queen and also a fighter. Such roles put us through constant learning, and I underwent a short training in sword fighting and brushed up my horse riding skills,” says Hariprriya, adding, “Since I am quite adventurous, this character helped me learn something new.”

Whether it is about Bicchugatti or Amruthamathi, it has often taken Hariprriya back to her school days. “As a child, I used to be very active in school. Every year, during the fancy dress event, my mother used to dress me as either Kitturu Rani Chennamma, Keladi Chennamma, or as Onake Obavva, and donning their avatar has helped me develop a huge respect towards these leaders, especially the woman of those times,” says Hariprriya, who was reminded of the Onake Obavva character essayed by Jayanthi in Nagarahavu.

“The song and her portrayal of Onnake Obavva still give me goosebumps,” says Hariprriya. She also commends the production house as well as the director for proper planning, saying that shooting a historical film in a 50-day schedule was possible only because the team was well organised.