Shriya Saran, who is called the Madhuri Dixit of the South, talks about her career in southern cinema, female-oriented roles and much more.

Tell us about your family, hobbies and favorites.
Basically, I hail from Dehradun, born on September 11th 1982, so you now my age too. My dad’s name is Pushpendra and my mom’s name is Neeraj. I’ve completed by B.A from Lady Shriram college, Hyderabad. I love to dance and I have been formally trained in Kathak. I like to swim, read books, listening to music. I also like to speak and interact with the public. I like Paulo Coelho’s novels. Amongst food, I like daal-roti. I prefer home-made food over eating outside.

Now, tell us about your favorite stars.
In Hindi its Amitabh Bachchan and Madhubala. And in the South, its none other than Megastar Chiranjeevi.

What’s your preference when it comes to dressing up?
I’d prefer getting ready in a saree. But, I am told I look good in westernized clothing. So, I end up wearing them most of the times.

Its been five years since you’ve come to the industry, how come you don’t speak to Telugu at all?
I know telugu in tid-bits, but when I talk people end up laughing and making fun of me. So, I am happy communicating in Hindi and English itself.

Tell us about your character in Don Seenu.
Ahem. Nope, I cannot talk about it right now. It would be fun only if you watch it on screen. Wait for the movie.

Why do you think Shankar selected you and how was it working with the Tamil Superstar?
I think I got it purely by luck. I have seen all of Shankar’s movies before. They were all very good movies. I am very happy to have the got the chance to work with him. I am feeling very proud of myself having done a Shankar film. Its every artiste’s dream to work with Chiranjeevi, Rajinikanth and Amitabh Bachchan. Luckily, I got to work with two of the three superstars in India.

How come you have distanced yourself from the Telugu industry?
I have not distanced myself. I got an offer to do a Shankar-Rajinikanth film and a few other Tamil offers. That’s why I did a few Tamil films in between. Now, I got a few roles in Telugu again – so I’m back. It’s the telugu industry that made me the actor I am today, I will never forget that or distance myself from it.

Why are you exposing so much these days?
What to do? Earlier I got very good characters. Now, I am offered roles that demand me to expose. So I can't let go of those few good offers I get. Moreover, I also have been doing good, meaningful roles along the way too.