Remember a chirpy young girl clad in pavada thavani made her debut in Enga Ooru Paatukaran some three decades ago. Thanks to her wide eyes and spontaneous expressions, she stole the heart of movie-lovers. That bubbly young girl – Shanthipriya – ensured she was no one-film wonder. Enga Ooru Paatukaran was followed by several hits in Tamil, Telugu and Hindi.
Though she was sister of already popular actress Bhanupriya, yet, with her wonderful portrayal as rural girl Shenbagam in her very first film, Shanthipriya made a name for herself.
She established herself as a versatile actress in the industry thanks to her subsequent off-beat and commercial performances on the silver screen. She is now looking forward to her comeback in cinema.
Speaking to News Today, Shanthipriya says, “My personal life became my priority which is why films took a back seat. I am ready to make a comeback now. I will soon make an official announcement of the project. I have lined up a few biggies. A formal announcement will be made soon.”
Asked about her priorities, she says, “Tamil cinema has changed a lot. Though I stayed in Mumbai for long, I always kept a tab on the happenings here. A number of great movies were made here.”
“I want to do meaty roles. My character should have a say in the script.”
The actress, who was last seen in Sirayil Pootha Chinna Malar, opposite Vijayakanth, says, “Tamil cinema had always remained close to my heart.”
Popular for her peppy dance in Mani Ratnam’s Anjali (Iravu Nilavu Ulagai Rasika), Shanthipriya says, “Quality matters the most for me. I want to do roles that will stay in the minds and hearts of audience.”
She has a lot of hits under her belt in Bollywood too. Her films like Saugandhe, Ikke Or Ikka, Phool Aur Angaar and Veerta were blockbusters. She was the first heroine for Akshay Kumar on the big screen.
“I have great love for cinema. And I am back to do what I love the most – acting,” she smiles.