When you see Trisha in person, you are reminded of a live Barbie doll.

Who's Trisha? Ask the heroines, and they will call her a nightmare. Even before her first film hit the screens, she has been signed up for six more films. And, she is a Tamil girl- a rarity as far as Tamil industry is concerned where such things happen to only the Mumbai imports.

She was beautifully pampering onscreen for her film 'Manasellam' when we caught up with her for an interview. She was more than willing to spare time for an interview.

 
On the 6:    "I'm doing six film right now. I owe a great deal to sheer good luck. At the same time, I'm scared too. The reason why I'm getting so many offers is probably the fact that my very first release, 'Lesa Lesa' belongs to a big banner company.

 
Tamil:   

My being a Tamilian is also responsible for this warm welcome, I think. It's always a plus to act as a docile Tamil female when you also know the language.

I wouldn't say that Tamil girls don't get offers in Tamil films. If you have the talents and good looks, you get offers, no matter what your mother tongue is.

Right now, I intend to concentrate only on Tamil films. 'Yenakku 20, Unakku 18' is a bilingual film- it is being made in Tamil and Telugu. For that film alone, I'm concentrating on Telugu too. Otherwise, I plan to diversify to other languages only after establishing myself.

I speak passable Tamil. But, it's often unclear. If I act well but miss the dubbing part, the whole effort is a waste. So, Renuka does the dubbing for me.

 
Modeling and Cinema:    Modeling schedule lasts only three-four days. Everything has to be perfect there- costume, make-up, and performance. There is also an air of informality. It is as casual as the conversation between you and me. But, cinema is different. The schedules run for 30-40 days. Shooting happens in 2 or three schedules. But, I still enjoy cinema very much. After entering cinema, people have begun to recognize me when they see me outside. I don't bother myself too much with it.

 
'Lesa Lesa':    For some years now, I have been getting movie offers. But, I didn't accept them because I was busy with my studies. I heard that director Priyadarshan was looking for a new face for 'Lesa Lesa'. I sent some pictures of mine. I was selected immediately. The film began very fast, that is why.

Most of the film's shooting took place in Ooty. It was like a vacation. There were many girls on the sets who were my on-screen friends. So, I didn't lack company. Farm houses, horse riding- we had fun. I expect a lot from 'Lesa Lesa'. The film has everything- good story, great music. I don't know how the audience is going to receive it. It all depends on luck. As far as I'm concerned, 'Lesa Lesa' is a good film.

 
Malaysia and Neyveli:   
I felt good about going with all the stars of the industry to Malaysia for the Star Nite. The trip helped me develop contacts with others. Once, when we were going by bus, we had fun because Rajini was also with us. You can equate the trip to the ones that we used to go when we were in school. Neyveli was also nice. It helped in showing our solidarity.

 
Heroes:    Madhavan gave me many tips. He is well experienced. Shyam is friendly too. Surya is very reserved, but he talks well. Vikram is a fun loving man. The moment he arrives the sets liven up. I knew Shrikanth from the modeling session days. I don't know about Ajith yet because I haven't begun acting with him yet for 'Thirudaa'.

 
Sports:    I love sports. But, I never wanted to take it up for life. I used to participate in basketball and tennis tournaments in school. It was a favorite time pass.

 
A.R.Rehman:   
AR Rehman is my favorite music director. I'm proud of the fact that I acted in 'Yenakku 20, Unakku 18'. He was the music composer for the film. I heard four songs of the film. They were fabulous. You will feel the same way too when the film gets released. I waste no time in buying all his latest compositions the moment they hit the market.

 
Movies:    I watch lot of movies. I love going to the movie halls to watch films. 'English Patient' is my favorite film. I loved Manirathnam's 'Uyirae'.

 
Roles:   
In 'Saami', I play a very different role- that of a girl who lives in a village near Thirunelveli. I wear only 'paavadai thaavani' throughout the film. In 'Mounam Pesiyudhey', I play a middle class girl. In 'Yenakku 20, Unakku 18', ' Manasellam' and 'Lesa Lesa', I play glam + emotional role.

 
The Net:    I don't sit in front of the computer throughout the day. A few interesting sites, some good e-mails and an occasional chat- this is what my cyber life is all about. I reply to emails from my fans. That's about it. My mother is on the net 24 hours a day. She is the one who informs me if there is news about me on the net.

 
Gossips:    There is bound to be lots of gossips in this industry. Better ignore them.

 
Tomorrow?    I don't plan for tomorrow. Right now, my only obsession is 'Lesa Lesa'. It will be another 2 years before I complete the five films that I have signed up. Let us think about the future later.

 
Family:   
My father was abroad. That was when he fell in love with the name 'Trisha'. We are pure South Indian Brahmans. Though my ancestry goes back to Palakkad, Kerala, I'm still a Tamil girl.

 
Glamour and Kiss:    I have a strict boundary drawn for glamour and kiss. If I'm not comfortable with it, I wouldn't do it.

 
Actresses:    I have known Simran for two years now. Jyothika gave me many tips during the Malaysia journey.

 
Dance:    To be honest, I am not that crazy about dancing. But, I manage since I have trained myself for cinema dance. If I get the expressions and timing right, there is no problem at all.