Jawan actor Priyamani: ‘SRK told the dance master that I’d always be positioned next to him in the entire song’

(Clockwise from left) Actor Priyamani; Priyamani with SRK in a still from 'Jawan'; in the song 'Zinda Banda' from 'Jawan'; in the song 'One Two Three Four' from 'Chennai Express'.

Priyamani, who has mostly acted in south cinema, has become popular and familiar with the audiences in the north with The Family Man in which she astutely plays the screen wife of Manoj Bajpayee. The actress was recently seen in blockbuster hit Jawan in which she plays an action-oriented mother called Lakshmi.

Priyamani embarked on her acting career at a young age, making her debut in the film industry as a child artist. She initially appeared in a variety of films, in both relatable and challenging roles, across all four south Indian languages. Her early roles showcased her acting prowess and foreshadowed her promising future in the industry.

Her presence in both mainstream cinema and regional films has solidified her status as a pan-Indian actress with a significant fan following, among cinephiles and critics alike.

In an exclusive interview with Moneycontrol, she talks about her films, journey, and working with Shah Rukh Khan. Edited excerpts:

You are back with Shah Rukh Khan after a decade. How has working with him been like?

I worked with Shah Rukh Khan for Chennai Express (2013) for a song (One Two Three Four). And then after so long, I worked with him for Jawan in a full-length role and it was an amazing experience as earlier. Working with him has always been a great pleasure.

What was the main factor that made you say yes to Jawan?

I think during the second wave of COVID-19, (director) Atlee approached me for the role of Lakshmi and we interacted via Zoom, when he narrated the story to me. I loved the part he has written for all of us in the film. I jumped out with excitement when he told me that he had written a good role for me and that too in a Shah Rukh Khan-starrer.

What is that one thing about Atlee's direction that you liked?

Atlee's thought process is amazing. His writing is brilliant. If you look at the introductions he has written for us, I mean all the six girls, everybody has an amazing introduction. He did not let our characters hang there out in the air. He chose to give us roles that have a story to tell. Lakshmi, Eeram, Kalki... he wrote stories for us as well. Working with him was a great experience.

You have been part of a few projects in Bollywood already. Is Jawan special compared to them?

Rather than calling it special, I would call it memorable. The story, star cast, budget, and technicians, it is big. Everything is huge. And more than anything, bagging the opportunity to work with Shah Rukh Khan sir again here is special. Also, it has given me an extended family. We, the bunch of six girls have become so close to each other. Even now, we are in touch with each other. Irrespective of how busy we are, we make sure we say 'Hi' to each other.

Is it true that SRK made you stand next to him in the song as you were initially placed behind him?

Yes. It is. When the positioning for the Zinda Banda song happened, I was allocated a place. When Shah Rukh sir joined the shoot and saw me standing behind him, he made me stand next to him in the song and told the dance master that I should always be positioned next to him in the entire song. That was sweet of him.

What is that one thing about Shah Rukh Khan that amazed you? What did you learn from him?

His dedication towards the craft is what has amazed me always. The amount of effort he puts in, his commitment towards work, and his interest and passion towards the work are something that I was always amazed about. In Jawan, he plays Azad and Vikram Rathod, the son and the father duo. He had to wear prosthetics and don various looks to play those roles. There was no single day when he said he was tired. He used to remove the make-up and wear for another character. He never complained. Even on the days when he was not shooting, he came to the sets to check on us. Such is the dedication he has.

You started your career in 2003, you have seen ups and downs in your career. But now, when you look back, how does it all seem to you?

It has been great. It has been amazing. I am glad it is doing well and I am enjoying this phase. It is the love of people, and the audiences that has brought me here and I am thankful to them for their love.

Priyamani

You have worked in films across languages and given blockbusters in them . When would you say your career was at its peak or when has been the turning point?

My career has been different at different points. But I call two different years in life that have been turning points. First is 2006, the year when Kangalal Kaidhu Sei, a Tamil film of mine released. Since then, I never had to look back. The other year is 2017, which is when I got married. Marriage has been a beautiful phase and I have been doing a lot more films since then.

As an actress, did you set up boundaries for yourself? If yes, what are they?

Yes. Of course. I sign films only after I go through the script or listen to the complete narration. I take the decision for myself and nobody else will. I assess the story and decide whether I should do it or not. That way, I take ownership and responsibility for the decisions I make. No means a no. Always.

What was the role of Telugu cinema in your career?

Telugu cinema industry will always have a special role in my career and life. Telugu audiences have always showered me with love. I have been part of so many films there and they have given me many hits. They are an amazing audience.