”I Had a Crush on Suriya Sir" – House Mates Heroine Arsha Chandini Baiju
“Tamil Nadu people value and support good talents" – House Mates Heroine Arsha Baiju’s Excitement
Arsha Chandini Baiju, One of the leading actresses of Malayalam cinema, has made her debut as a heroine in Tamil cinema through the film House Mates. House Mates has received a huge welcome from audiences and is running successfully in theatres, while also creating a massive fan base for Arsha Chantini Baiju in Tamil Nadu.
Currently, as part of the promotional events for House Mates, Arsha Chandini Baiju is touring across Tamil Nadu, visiting theatres in person and meeting the public. She shared with us her first Tamil film experience and her thoughts on the reception the film has received.
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Actress Arsha Chandini Baiju says, “Although I have continuously acted as the heroine in many Malayalam films, I had been waiting for the opportunity to play a heroine in Tamil cinema. That dream has now come true through House Mates. The people of Tamil Nadu value talent, and seeing the way audiences have celebrated House Mates has given me immense joy. Visiting theatres in person and meeting the audience was a whole new experience for me. The warm reception that fans have given to both the film and to me has filled me with fresh enthusiasm. I now have the confidence that I will definitely find my place in Tamil cinema.
How was the experience of transitioning from the Malayalam film industry to the Tamil film industry? Do you feel there is any difference between both the industries?
There isn’t any big difference between Malayalam cinema and Tamil cinema. Tamil cinema is a vast industry where grand-scale films are made. The talent of heroines is truly recognised here. Many actresses, including Nayanthara, have reached heights equal to that of the leading male stars. That is why I have a deep love for Tamil cinema.
It has long been my dream to establish myself as a heroine in Tamil films, and now that dream has come true. I want to act in many films and portray strong, meaningful roles. My goal is to become one of the leading heroines in Tamil cinema, and I am confident that it will happen, I too will achieve great success in Tamil cinema.
While playing lead roles, why did you choose to act in a small role in Thudarum? Would you do such roles in Tamil cinema as well?
Although my role in Thudarum was small, it was the central point of the film and a very important character, which is why I took it up. That film gave me great recognition and identity. Getting such a pivotal role in a film starring a legendary actor like Mohanlal sir is not an everyday opportunity. The moment I heard the story, I believed that this character would take me to the next level in cinema, and Thudarum indeed gave me that big breakthrough.
If I get a similar opportunity in Tamil cinema, I would definitely take it. I don’t look at whether a role is small or big, what matters to me is how important that role is to the film.
Do you make any special effort to enhance the characters you play in your films?
Not really. If I am given the complete script, I read it thoroughly, along with all the dialogues. Then, I discuss my character and scenes with the director. After that, I perform exactly as the director instructs. In particular, I make it a point to read my dialogues fully and repeatedly beforehand. This way, the scenes I perform usually don’t require many retakes. Other than that, I haven’t done any special research or separate training for a role. But if in the future I get a role that requires such preparation, I will definitely do it.
What kind of roles would you like to play in the future?
There’s nothing very specific. I want to play all kinds of characters, with my main goal being to act as a heroine. If it’s a big film and the role is significant, I’m willing to act even in a smaller part. Since I am a trained dancer and a Carnatic musician, I have a desire to act in stories centered around dance and music. I would love to be part of films that have songs and scenes that showcase my dancing skills.
Who are your favourite actors, and which actors would you like to work with?
I like all actors and want to work with everyone. I wish to act alongside Vijay Sethupathi and Sivakarthikeyan. I really enjoy Sivakarthikeyan’s comedy timing, which is why I’d love to share the screen with him.
As for favourite actors, I used to have a crush on Suriya sir. Back in my college days, I was a huge fan of his. So I definitely want to act with him as well, and I’m hopeful that the opportunity will come my way.
How did acting begin for you? What first drew you towards it?
No one in my family is from the film industry. From a young age, I was passionate about dance and music. During my school and college days, I eagerly participated in dance, music, and drama events. Even back then, I had a deep interest in the arts. That passion eventually led me to the field of acting. My parents supported my wish to become an actress, and because of their encouragement, I have been able to keep moving forward towards my next goals in cinema.
Apart from Tamil and Malayalam, do you plan to act in other language films?
Malayalam cinema introduced me as an actress, and Tamil cinema has given me immense recognition as an actress. If I get good opportunities like these in other languages, I will definitely act in them. At present, I am working in both Malayalam and Tamil films, and the production teams will be announcing details soon.
About your next Tamil film…
I am currently acting in a film, but I cannot reveal details about it at the moment. I can speak about it only after the production side makes the official announcement. I am also in discussions for a few other films. Several directors have narrated stories to me, and very soon there will be an official announcement about my next Tamil project
