Never quit Telugu cinema for Bollywood, says Ileana D’Cruz

Actor Ileana D’Cruz made her name in Telugu cinema with a dozen-odd films since her debut with Devadasu (2006), and then forayed into Hindi films with Barfi! (2012). She’s back now in Tollywood — as the Telugu film industry is called — with Amar Akbar Anthony, and says that she never quit her career in the south to build one in Bollywood.

“People have always had misconceptions about my career,” says the actor. “After I signed Barfi!, I was shocked to read reports that I’ve ‘quit’ Telugu cinema for Bollywood. These were baseless allegations and it’s time to put them to rest. Why would I give up an industry which has given me an identity?”

Her Hindi film credits include Phata Poster Nikla Hero (2013), Happy Ending (2014), Rustom (2016), Baadshaho (2017) and the latest, Raid.

The reason she was away from Tollywood is that she was rather busy in Bollywood, says the actor. “I was getting really good work in Bollywood [so] I didn’t have time for Telugu films. Also, after a point, I was being approached for dance numbers by Telugu filmmakers and I wasn’t excited about these offers. Therefore, I waited for the right film to return and that’s how Amar Akbar Anthony happened,” she adds.

The actor, whose mental health suffered at one time because of her body dysmorphic disorder, says that she’s in a happy space now. “I’ve evolved as a person,” says Ileana. “After coping with depression, I’ve become mentally strong. My working relationship with people has also changed for good.”

I was approached for dance numbers by Telugu filmmakers and I wasn’t excited. Therefore, I waited for the right film to return.

ILEANA D’CRUZ ACTOR