Priyamani is currently basking in the success of Article 370.
Priyamani opened up about the hurdles she encounters in Bollywood due to her extensive work in the southern film industry.
Priyamani has recently shared her thoughts on being labeled a ‘south actor’. During a discussion with Pinkvilla, she delved into the reactions to her latest Hindi movie, Article 370, and the hurdles she encounters due to her extensive work in the southern film industry. She remarked that although south Indian actors may not have the fair, radiant complexion often seen in Bollywood actresses, they possess an attractiveness that is on par with anyone else.
In response to questions about encountering stereotypes in Hindi cinema because of her roots in Telugu and Tamil films, Priyamani, known for her role in the Shah Rukh Khan-led Jawan, commented, “Yeah, sometimes they (Bollywood filmmakers) will say ‘Oh because it is a south Indian character, we want to cast you’. I hope that changes soon.”
Elaborating further, Priyamani explained, “See, even though we are from south India, I think we can speak the language (Hindi) quite fluently, we are as good-looking as anybody else. Probably our skin type might not be as fair and sparkling white as the ladies here (Bollywood), but I don’t think that should matter. As I said, girls from the south, or men from the south, everybody from the south knows the language; they can speak it (Hindi) quite fluently, albeit maybe the grammar can go a little here and there, but that should not matter as long as the emotions are being portrayed… I think now the thing of north and south should change. We are always Indian actors.”
Priyamani was part of the political thriller film, Article 370, which was released on February 23. It was directed by Aditya Suhas Jambhale, and starred Yami Gautam and Priyamani in the lead, along with Skand Sanjeev Thakur, Ashwini Kaul, Sandeep Chattarji, Arun Govil, and many others. The film was produced by Jyoti Deshpande, Aditya Dhar, and Lokesh Dhar, under the banner of B62 Studios. Shashwat Sachdev has composed the music.
Her other notable work includes the 2023 blockbuster film Jawan, which starred Shah Rukh Khan in the lead. The cast of the film also includes Vijay Sethupathi and Nayanthara, along with Deepika Padukone, who appeared in a cameo role. Priyamani was seen in a supporting role as Lakshmi in the film. Jawan was directed by Atlee, and became the highest-grossing Indian film of 2023, collecting more than Rs 1,000 crore at the box office.
