The actress talks about being a part of the biopic on J Jayalalithaa, her equation with co-star Kangana Ranaut and how she is looking forward to coming back on the screen after five years
Debarati Sen (BOMBAY TIMES; May 15, 2020)

With shoots coming to a halt owing to the Coronavirus pandemic, the schedules of several films have gone haywire. The list includes director A L Vijay’s Thalaivi, a biopic on former Tamil Nadu Chief Minister, late J Jayalalithaa. The movie, which features Kangana Ranaut in the titular role, will also see Bhagyashree in a pivotal part.

The Maine Pyar Kiya actress, who was last seen in Laut Aao Trisha five years ago, is looking forward to coming back on the screen with this movie. She tells us, “I had begun shooting for Thalaivi in September 2019, in Mysore, Chennai and Hyderabad. The fact that I am a part of the film was kept under wraps, with the makers wanting to announce it in April, but then, the Coronavirus lockdown happened. Ab toh pata nahi kitna samay lockdown rahega. Now, my director has given me the go-ahead to talk about it.”

Talking about her role, she elaborates, “I play a key role in the film and my character brings about a turning point in Thalaivi’s life. Kangana and I have a lot of scenes together, and the entire team loved our on-screen chemistry. It was fun working with her because she is a fantastic artiste, who puts a lot into her performances. It was great to get back to the set after a very long time.”

Bhagyashree is also excited about her look in the film. “The interesting part is that my look in the film is completely different from what people have seen me in,” she shares. Ask her about her equation with Kangana, and she replies, “I had first met Kangana in 2006, when she had just started her career. Even on the set of Thalaivi, she was extremely respectful, and would greet me as soon as she reached the set.”