A star in the making

Published in Express Week, a supplement of the Indian Express, Chennai Edition dated August 16, 1997.

Copyright: The New Indian Express, Chennai

Hers is not a face that you forget easily. Anne Anra or 'Baby Annie' who was first introduced to the film world in Kamal Hassan's 'Avvai Shanmughi' has also acted in many commercials. 'Expressweek' spoke to the child star who is currently taking ballet lessons at the Russian Culture Centre'.

So Annie, tell us about yourself.

I'm studying in the third standard in Sherwood Hall Higher Secondary School. I have lots of friends. My teachers like me a lot. I got my progress card recently and scored 100 marks in science, my favourite subject. I also like Maths and the 'Swift Reader' which is thick but I have finished reading it already.

What do you like to become when you grow up?

A doctor. But I will continue to act and dance.

Do you like dancing?

Very much. I'm attending dance classes at Kala teacher's dance troupe and take ballet lessons on the weekend. (Her mother interrupts: "Did you know Anne that there was a bomb blast at the Russian Culture Centre where you go for your classes?" Anne asks sadly: Why Mummy? It is such a nice place. Why was it blasted?)

How did you get into acting?

I was a student of Kala aunty (her dance teacher). Girija aunty (Kala's sister) and her husband Raghuram uncle introduced me to the cine world. Kamal uncle wanted me to act in his film. I have acted in Suresh Menon uncle's teleserial 'Penn', and in about 40 advertisements. I like modelling. My brother Ben is also into modelling and we have done many ads together.

Have you seen the Wondercake ad? That's me. The new Parrys ad for 'Indian' toffee has me in it too.

(She goes on to enthusiastically list ad campaigns like TN Small Savings, Popy umbrellas (Malayalam), Kumaran Stores, Uncle Chipps, NEPC, Butler Sodamaker, the Anubhav Plantations ad that comes on Star Plus, Mafatlal, Gemini Tea ad (which had Shobana in it) and the recent Supertone 'Sottuneelam'ad.)

Tell us about the awards that you have won?

When my brother got a gold medal I wanted one too (her face lights up). Now I have a gold medal and (she points to the trophies neatly arranged on a high shelf). I won many awards for my first film. I won the Best Child Artiste Award for Ávvai Shanmughi' and the Film Fans Association in Chennai gave me a shield for the 'Pon Vizha' of the film. I also received the Ajantha Excellence Award from Lucky Audio and Dinakaran Cine Award for Best Child Artiste.

Your acting during the court scene in 'Avvai Shanmughi' was very good. How did you manage to get all your dialogues right?

I got all my dialogues very easily. It was okayed in the very first take.

Was that your voice in the film?

No. They wanted a very 'keech-keech' voice which would sound childish. So Deepika did the dubbing. She won an award too.

Whose was the 'voil saree' idea?

Mine. I used to do it in school. When I did that in the sets they included it in the film.

Were you not scared while acting in the 'fire scene'?

No. There was nothing to be scared at all. It was very easy. I was smiling even when I had to say 'Ayyo valikkidu', so the shot had to be taken again.

Who is your favourite actor?

Rajini uncle, Arjun uncle, Kamal uncle, Poornam Viswanathan uncle... (and the list is endless).

Which national leader do you like?

Mahatma Gandhi, Rajiv Gandhi, Indira Gandhi.

What is your favourite food item?

Chicken kolambu, ice cream and chocolates.

Who are your best friends?

Ashok Wadhwan, Shamilee, Jennifer and many others.

What are your favourite TV channels?

Cartoon Network and Star Movies.

What games do you like?

Tunnel Relay is my best game. I like to play passing the ball and video games like Contra, Packman, Balloon Fight and Battle City.

Are you acting in any new films or television serials?

(Her eyes open wide in excitement) Yes, a movie. 'Thaayin Manikkodi' with Arjun uncle and Tabu aunty. I'm also acting in a Hindi film, 'Hathyaara' with Jackie uncle and Mithun uncle and my brother and I have a role in 'Kishkinthavile Kuttichattan', a teleserial.

This is a continuation of 'My Dear Kuttichattan' which will be telecast on Sun TV from October 8 between 7 to 7.30 p.m. The new ads Naga atta and Apco Hawaii will be telecast soon.

SUDHA SHENOY