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'The new generation directors have a killer instinct'

She was the dream girl of Telugu cinema in the '70s who later evolved into a glamourous and mature mother. At a time when Savitri and Jamuna were mesmerising the audience, she entered the industry as a third force. And became the super-heroine of the Eastman-colour era.

Yes, we are talking about the dusky heroine, Vanisree. The paduchu pilla (nubile nymphet) of Dassara Bullodu returned to tinsel town in the early '90s, after more than a decade, with Attaku Yamudu Ammayiki Mogudu in which she played mother-in-law to megastar Chiranjeevi.

The film was a big hit. And, with that, Vanisree's second innings took off successfully. The bold and beautiful lady -- who has always maintained that "I have no godfathers. The name and fame, whatever I got is because of my struggle and perseverance" -- talks about cinema today.

You were a big star of the '70s. Then you left the industry when you were well on your way to the top and concentrated on family life. What made you move back to tinsel world?

I left the industry to fulfill my responsibilities as a wife and mother. But it couldn't suppress the zeal in me to act. Now that I am free from household responsibilities, I thought I should concentrate on acting and came back to films.

How do you feel working with the new generation directors?

Very comfortable. They are aggressive and expressive. They spoonfeed the scenes to the artistes. Moreover, the directors of this generation have a killer instinct, they are eager to prove their mettle.

You seem to be confined to the proud mother-in-law roles. Doesn't it get boring?

You are right. Playing similar roles regularly leads to boredom. Every artiste craves to project himself or herself in a variety of roles. But people enjoy seeing me in such roles. And I too enjoy playing such characters.

Is it true that you don't like to act on the small screen?

No, that is not true. As an artiste, I don't like to restrict myself. For me, the subject and character are important, not the size of the screen.

Do the roles you play on screen have an impact on your real life?

To a large extent. Every profession influences one's life. An artiste may lose his identity after having played a variety of roles. Sometimes, he may have to struggle to become what he actually is. It is quite difficult for us to keep ourselves out of such influences. But if it is a positive one, we must try to imbibe it. That would definitely help us in developing our personalities.

Interviewed by P Sathya