Exclusive Interview with Soumya Murthy

Soumya Murthy is making her debut in Kannada movie Miss California. She was born in Bangalore and moved to USA at a very young age. She did her schooling in New York and has a Bachelors Degree in Computer Science. She pursued modeling as a hobby and slowly took it up seriously. She has done many fashion and jewelry shows. She responded to a call for auditions on thatskannada.com for the heroines role in Miss California. After auditioning, she got the part and is making her debut in Miss California.

Now, Miss California is due for release, what are your expectations from the film industry and the audience?
From what I have seen in the past years, the Kannada industry welcomes new faces and encourages them to work for longer years and make a mark in the film world. I would expect the same reaction and support from the audience too.

Being an NRI, how do you feel to be part of Kannada film industry?
I think being an NRI doesn't make much difference to me. Being a Kannadiga, I've always loved Kannada movies and to be part of the Kannada film industry is a great feeling.

Did you ever dream that one day you would be acting in a Kannada movie?
No I never dreamt I would act in a movie but I am glad my first movie was in Kannada. My mother tongue.

Do you consider yourself unique among all the resident Kannada actresses?
I think each person has a unique personality; doesn't matter if you are actress or not. How the audience accepts me will determine how successful I am an actress.

After recognized as film actress, how was treatment in Karnataka and in US?
The feeling during the shooting was new and different to me. After completing the shooting I was back in US so haven't really spent time in Bangalore so I am not sure how it is. As far as US is concerned, my life has been the same except many of my Kannada friends in New York and other surrounding areas are very proud of this project.

Where do you see yourself in the future as an actress, taking into consideration that Deepali, another actress from US is nowhere to be seen.
I want Ms.Cali to release as well I expect the film industry and the audience to encourage new comers like me. I am very committed to this profession and I hope I will be part of many new projects.

How did you feel when you faced the camera for the first time?
I was nervous for the first few seconds and then I was at ease. It was a memorable moment. The entire crew encouraged me and gave a very warm welcome.

You belong to non-conservative nation, but landing your foots in conservative film industry. How do you react to exposure in Kannada film industry?
I was brought up with traditional values and a modern outlook. So exposure in the Kannada film industry is a personal choice. I cannot comment much on this.

What all skills do you think necessary for an actress to stay floating, where scenario is highly competitive?
It is always the audience, who has to cheer an actress on by going to the theatre and watching her movies. I think acting is a continuous learning process, every scene and every co-actor teaches you a new skill. I think actresses who stay afloat have the versatility to play the girl next door or the ultimate dream girl, but choosing roles carefully is also important.

Do you think luck has played it's part when you got selected for the role?
I would say luck always plays a role but in my case it was a coincidence and also all the people who gave me courage to go for it.

How many Kannada films had you seen before being selected for Ms California?
No count.Me being in Miss .California did not depend on how many Kannada movies I have watched as I have been watching Kannada movies since childhood.

How was it working with newcomers Diganth, Janu, senior actors Sharath Babu, Dattanna, Geetha and noted director Koodlu Ramakrishna?
I am sailing in the same boat as Diganth and Janu since I am a newcomer too. Myself, Diganth and Janu had a fun time working together. Working with senior artists was a great learning experience. It was an honor for me to work with such great artists whom I had never dreamt I would meet. Special thanks to our director for his support and encouragement.

If you get more roles, would you think of settling down in Bangalore?
Yes ofcourse...there is no doubt about that.