Southern actress Rakul Preet made her Telugu debut with "Keratam" and she says she is blessed to be a part of such a film industry, which according to her is one of the finest places to work in.
"'Venkatadri Express' which released in 2013 was my proper Telugu debut because after 2011 film 'Keratam', I took a two-year break. I didn't know whether I wanted to continue doing films at that time and be an actress. It's been quite a journey," Rakul told PTI.
The actress says she is fortunate that people in the industry have been warm and welcoming to her from day one.
"There has been an improvement in me because I have been continuously working and also got a grip on the language. I think Telugu film industry is one of the finest places to be working in, and I feel blessed that I got a great experience ever since my first day."
The 26-year-old actress, who had consecutive blockbusters last year in Telugu film industry with "Nannakku Prematho", "Sarrainodu", and "Dhruva" and started 2017 on a rough note with "Winner", says successes and failures don't affect her.
"Neither did 2016 make me extra excited nor did the failure of 'Winner' pull me down. Success and failure are not in our hands. If it was, then all the films would be hits. Nobody would make a flop movie. So, I just enjoy the journey and the experience and learn each day."
Rakul is upbeat that audiences will identify with her character Bhrarambha in "Ra Randoi Veduka Chudam", which released this Friday, since it has a strong characterization for a heroine.
"I have played village-based roles, but this one is an out-and-out village belle, which is new to me... I always wanted to do a love story, and this is a very nice and innocent character. The audience will not only see a different Rakul in the film but a different, strong characterization for a heroine too."
Rakul credits her stylist Neeraja Kona's meticulous effort for all the appreciations she has been receiving for her desi costumes in "Ra Randai Veduka Chudam' and its promotional events.
"Neeraja knows me like the back of her hand. Not only regarding clothes but as a person also. I think it's very important for a stylist to understand your taste, style and comfort zone. That's why I think our combination works."
Rakul says she has known her co-star Naga Chaitanya for a while and that comfort level on sets made them perform easily.
"Performing becomes easier when you work with someone who you have a good rapport with. And, I know Chay (Naga Chaitanya) before I started working with him. He is a friend, and I know him very well."
In her next Tamil-Telugu bilingual "Spyder" directed by AR Murugadoss, Rakul plays a doctor and will be seen sharing the screen with Telugu star Mahesh Babu for the first time.
"It's a meaty role. The way AR Murugadoss has designed the characterization is very different. I don't think anybody has done a role like this in Telugu films. I play a nerd. A medical student who is always clumsy and seen in specs," she says.
Rakul will also star in "Sathuranga Vettai" director Vinoth's investigative thriller "Dheeran Adhigaaram Ondru" with Tamil actor Karthi.
"I'm happy to come back to Tamil. 'Dheeran Adhigaaram Ondru' with Karthi is an interesting movie, and I'm very glad to be part of a good script. Almost 60 per cent of my work is over in the film, and I have another long schedule to complete next."
Rakul is currently shooting for a yet-untitled film with her "Sarrainodu" director Boyapati Srinu and actor Bellamkonda Srinivas.
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