Bollywood actress Ananya Raj has signed two Telegu films namely Madrasi Gang and Thaggede Le. Madrasi Gang is being directed by Ajay Andrews who last directed Manoj Manchu. Ashmit Patel, Adhyayan Suman, and Ranga Jinu also star in the project that is produced under the banner of S N Reddy. ‘Thaggede Le’ stars Telugu actor Naveen Chandra plays the lead. The movie is being directed by critically acclaimed director Srinivasa Raju.

The Kolkata Mail correspondent caught up with the actress in an exclusive conversation.

When did you think of starting your career in acting?

Ananya Raj- After my theatre stint, I thought of acting. It was a short one but made me confident as an actor. Not to mention, It has been a tough journey too.

How did you bag the Telegu film?

Ananya Raj- I believe things happen when you least expect it and that’s how I bagged the Telugu film that I recently finished shooting. But this is not the first Telugu film I have been part of. I was offered a mythological film in the Telugu industry way back in 2016 in a leading role that couldn’t be completed due to some copyright matter.

Was language a problem when doing the Telegu film?

Ananya Raj– Yes, I used to have my days. Some days I would surprise everyone by catching the pronunciation so well but some days would be difficult. I totally appreciate these north Indian actresses doing so well in the south despite the language barrier.

Tell us about your roles in Thaggede Le and Madrasi Gang.

Ananya Raj- In Madrasi Gang, I play a de-glam character raised in the chawl system of Mumbai. In Thaggede Le, I plan an NRI from the USA. There is much contrast between the two characters.

What difference do you find between the Hindi and Telegu film industries?

Ananya Raj- The call sheet is drastically different.

 In the south they start rolling at 7 am no matter what and Bollywood takes liberty.

Tell us about your other projects.

Ananya Raj- I am shooting for a web series for Hotstar.

How was the experience of being directed by a critically acclaimed director

Ananya Raj- I truly liked working with both of my filmmakers in these movies. We shot simultaneously.

Wishing Ananya all the best for both films.