Marking 15 years in the film industry, actress Samantha has opened up about her journey, recalling her early struggles, career-defining roles, and the lessons she has learned along the way.
Samantha, who made her debut with Ye Maaya Chesave, quickly rose to prominence in Telugu and Tamil cinema. Over the years, she not only cemented her position as a top actress but also explored web series, proving her versatility.
“Fifteen years is a long time. When I look back at my early performances, I feel I could have done much better. But those experiences helped me grow. I had no mentors, didn’t know the language, and had no connections in the industry. Everything was new to me,” she shared.
She recalled how playing glamorous roles was initially a challenge. “I used to analyze how such characters behave in real life, trying to embody them. Now, when I watch those scenes, I can’t help but laugh,” she added.
Samantha also spoke about her first project Moscow Kaveri, which she filmed alongside Rahul Ravindran, though she barely remembers it as the shoot lasted just a day before being halted. In contrast, she has vivid memories of Ye Maaya Chesave, calling it a milestone in her career. “I remember every shot, every scene, and the experience of working with Gautham Menon. He has an exceptional ability to shape characters. Roles that have given me such deep satisfaction have been rare,” she noted.
Looking back on her career, Samantha acknowledged the ups and downs. “Successes, failures, and struggles, my journey has seen it all. But I am excited about the next 15 years. I have a better understanding of my strengths and weaknesses now. These years have been a great learning experience,” she said.
She also addressed the challenges of headlining female-centric films. “There’s added pressure when the entire film revolves around the lead actress. I put in my best efforts, but success is never in our control. That said, I don’t see my career as just a job. I believe I can achieve more and am enjoying every phase of this journey,” Samantha concluded.
