‘Decisions as an actor not based on my star image’

I’m a hungry actor looking for great content. The efforts that go into it helped me achieve the ‘star’ image I have. SAMANTHA AKKINENI, Actor

Samantha Akkineni marked her Hindi debut with The Family Man 2 this year. Her portrayal of a rebel won her the award for the best female actor in a web series at the recently held International Film Festival of Melbourne.

Happy to be recognised for her efforts, the Telugu superstar says, “It seemed like a risky project since I was to play the main antagonist. I’m known for chirpy and bubbly roles. But for the last two years, all I’ve been doing is taking risks. That’s what challenges and inspires me to go to work every day. This risk paid off really well.”

While Hindi as a medium of communication continues to remain a challenge, she looks forward to dubbing for herself in Hindi projects. “I’m from the South. I speak Hindi with a South accent, so, speaking the language is difficult for me. I’ve begun dubbing for my Hindi ads. I’m making the effort to work with a diction coach. I can speak, read and write Hindi but there hasn’t been a lot of practice,” she shares.

While her performance was lauded, some people slammed the show for what they said was its negative portrayal of Sri Lankan Tamils. But Akkineni says her responsibility as a celebrity won’t interfere with the kind of scripts she chooses for herself.

“As a public figure, I’m supposed to set examples for fans. But when it comes to making interesting content, I don’t let my decisions be based on my image. I’m a hungry actor looking for great content. The efforts that go into it helped me achieve the ‘star’ image I have,” she ends.