Aishwarya Rajesh is all set to make her Bollywood debut with the Arjun Rampal-starrer Daddy. The Tamil actress, who won accolades for her performance in National Award-winning drama Kaaka Muttai, opens up about entering B-Town, her meeting with Arun Gawli's wife Asha (who she plays on screen) and the colour bias down South. Excerpts...

Why did you choose a gangster biopic to make your Bollywood debut?
In South too, I got recognized for my work in offbeat films. I prefer performance-oriented roles to just being a glamour girl. So, Daddy is the kind of film I wanted to make my Bollywood debut with.

So, how did you land the role of Asha Gawli?
They had a completely different cast in mind before they started shooting for the film. But as luck would have it, one of the ADs saw Kaaka Muttai and told Arjun (Rampal) about my performance in the film. Arjun then called up to ask if I could speak Hindi and I replied in the negative. Though Arjun dropped the idea of casting me, the AD sent me a small script and asked me to audition for the role. After my audition, Arjun called to say that he wanted me in the film.

What is the kind of preparation that went into playing Asha Gawli?
Honestly, I had no idea about Arun Gawli or his wife before I was offered the film. But later, I started doing research on her. When Ashim Ahluwalia (director) showed me her pictures, I realised that Asha Gawli is even more powerful than her husband. People were more scared of her than Arun Gawli. I met Gawli's daughters and they felt that I looked perfect for the role. My character arc spans about 40 years in the film, so I've used prosthetic make-up. Also, after working with Arjun, I feel more confident about speaking in Hindi.

Did you get a chance to meet the real Asha Gawli?
I was in for a surprise when I met her, as I was told that she was quite reserved. However, I found her to be quite sophisticated. When I asked her about my performance, she said, 'It was fine. You looked good'.

Do you feel that gangster biopics end up glorifying the gangsters?
We fail to understand that these gangsters have a human side, too. If Arun Gawli is called 'Daddy', there must be a reason for it. The film is all about exploring the individual and his journey rather than glorifying it.

You started your career as a TV anchor before moving on to films. Was TV a stepping stone into movies?
It's not easy to become an actress. When I participated in reality shows, people told me that I could never become an actress. They told me that I am dusky and do not have what it takes to be an actress. In South, people are very obsessed with fair skin. The hero can be dark, but actresses have to be fair-skinned. I did many small-budget films after my TV stint and they all flopped. People were not ready to accept me. It's only after Kaaka Muttai that people started appreciating me.

Do you feel that the situation is different in Bollywood?
People like dusky women in Bollywood, but there is another obsession that is prevalent here - skinny women. You have to be a size-zero to be in Hindi films. I never want to be a size zero and I can't be one as I can't stop eating. Also, you don't get too many opportunities in Bollywood, if you don't come from a film background. Or else, you will have to be an outstanding performer like Kangana Ranaut.

You share your name with another Bollywood actress (Aishwarya Rai Bachchan)...
Yes, I did think of changing my name because of that. Initially, I felt that I will never be remembered as I share my name with someone so beautiful and talented. But now I have given up on the idea.

He was heartbroken when his earlier Tamil production, Kaaka Muttai did not make it as India's entry to the Oscars last year. But that was then; with Visaaranai being chosen for the Academy Awards this year, Dhanush is ecstatic.

You must be feeling like a million bucks...
I got a call saying Viaaranai was being selected as India's official entry for the Oscars. All our patience has paid off.

Did you have a hunch when making this film that it would receive such widespread appreciation and acclaim?
To be very honest, not really. I just believed in Vetri, and I wanted to produce the film. It was a beautiful project. I knew the film would definitely work nationally, but Vetri Maaran (director) has crossed the borders! It's after 16 years that a Tamil film has been chosen for this honour. I am very happy for him and for my production house. It sure does feel nice.

With a couple of National Awards under its belt and recognition at the Venice International Film Festival, did you think that the Oscar selection would be a breeze?
Well, last year, I was very disappointed and heartbroken when Kaaka Muttai wasn't selected. We have a vision and we produce films based on that vision. I had this big, big feeling - or call it what you may - in my heart that Kaaka Muttai would not only be selected as India's official entry at the Oscars but that it would also win the Oscar.S o, this time I did not get my hopes too high. Everything happens when it has to, and everything falls in place at the right time. Visaaranai deserves to be there, and I am very happy it has happened.

What do you think are its chances at the Oscars?
I can't predict, but we are hoping and praying for the best. I am sure the entire cinema audience from India will root for Visaaranai.

What now?
I really don't know what it takes, and what to do. Vetri and I have met a few times and are discussing what is to be done next. We will need a lot of rescheduling our dates. I have no idea of the formalities; Vetri surely will know more about it. Very soon we will have a plan of action ready. We will do whatever it takes.

What do you think of the other films that were in contention?
I have watched Sairat, and Thithi. Both are great films, and many congratulations to the filmmakers for making these successful and critically acclaimed films. I am happy Visaaranai got chosen, but these two are beautiful films, too. And I am sure I'll see more such work coming from these filmmakers.

VETRI MAARAN (Director of Visaaranai)
“This was a very unexpected thing. And when I think this is the beginning of a new journey, it's exciting, and spurs me on to get on with the job at hand. Now, I am getting ready to figure out what's the next step to take this film forward, and learning the processes involved. We have to understand the voting system of the Oscars, and how things work there. I have been told it is different from our awards ceremonies. But we will research, understand and get on the job immediately. I am thankful to everyone involved in this film, and the audience for their appreciation. Visaaranai is a film that is very relevant throughout the world. Wherever there is a polluted system, it's definitely relevant, and that is what makes the film cutting edge. I don't know what next or how or where my film journey is going to take me from here. Right now, I've just got a load of responsibilities to live up to. I am someone who does things for the moment, lives in the present, without worrying about the future.“