Manisha Koirala speaks with us

She’s a diva alright! No matter how  much she tries to airily brush off that tag, she continues to smoulder  on screen with her sultry looks. She’s hot, She’s cool, she’s childlike  one moment and an enigma the other. She is Manisha Koirala, a woman who  has seen life up close and personal and makes no bones about celebrating  it full throttle.  The pretty lady was in Chennai shooting for Maapillai  after a long break. She is a household name though  has done only four  films in Tamil among which three are blockbusters Bombay, Muthalvan,  Indian  and was last seen opposite the superstar in Baba.

You are looking more and more gorgeous with each passing day. What’s  the secret?

I’ve completely surrendered myself to nature. It is the inner happiness  and peace that I enjoy, makes me glow (smiles).

Why didn’t you do any films in Tamil after Baba?

I’ve been waiting for the right script to happen in Tamil. And when this  offer came, I grabbed it as the role is powerful and something  different, which I have not done before.

Your character has shades of grey..please comment

Actually, I am bored of doing same kind of roles. And when I heard about  this role of a rich arrogant self obsessive woman I thought there is  enough scope for me to perform. And I am enjoying each of every day of  my shoot.

How is it working with the Maappillai team?

I am having a blast as these people pamper me to the hilt. Dhanush is a  wonderful co-star. He is extremely talented, down-to-earth and  hard-working. It’s a pleasure to work with such a professional team.

Do you think that it’s too early to play mother-in-law to Dhanush?

I am an actor first. If I could do the role of a mother of two children  at the age of 22 in Bombay why can’t I experiment now?

Why did you take a break from films in between?

I was tired of my hectic schedules and decided to take a break. I  travelled a lot, saw new countries, spend more time with family and  friends. And now I am back to work.

How does it feel to be back in Chennai?

It’s been wonderful. I love Chennai and I met up with my good friend  Aravind Swamy. I love chettinad food especially crabs. I also visited  Tirupati and shopped at Nallis, my favourite shop.

Have you seen the original Maappilai?

I didn’t see the entire film but in parts. I did not want to repeat the  original and instead I have brought my kind of style to the character.

Do you take special care about your clothes?

I do. As my character is very important, I had to look very respectable  and elegant. Sonia Dhingare and Shaheed Ameer are my designers.

What are your next projects in south?

I have signed Shyamaprasad’s new film in Malayalam. It’s going to be  another interesting project as I am the pivot around which the story  revolves in the first half.