A film was all Mumbai-based model Jennifer Kotwal took to earn name and fame. Her very debut Kannada film ‘Jogi’ created history in Kananda cinema and she became the cynosure of all eyes. It was a year ago that this film directed by Prem was released and created new box office records. However, her subsequent film ‘Sree’ failed terribly at the theatres. Now, she is all out to prove her worth all over again by teaming up with Ravichandran in ‘Ugadi’ and with Upendra in an untitled film. Read on to know more about this beauty.

Excerpts from the interview:
 
Tell us about your foray into Kannada films.

I was into modeling while doing Economics at HR College in Mumbai and even featured with Shah Rukh Khan in an ad for noodles and with Amitabh Bachchan for Chyavanprash. I also tried my hands on Sony and Zee TV. I gave some photo shots while doing commercials and some of them happened to reach Ramoji Rao Productions. He offered me a role in Telugu. It was sheer luck that I got the offer to act in ‘Jogi’.

How was your experience working with Amitabh and Shah Rukh?

I admire them and they are the best. I was lucky to have got the chance to work with them. Both of them are hard working and have great sense of humour. Amitabhji was very nice to all of us during the two days’ shoot and I felt at ease. Shah Rukh is a wonderful co-star.

Did you expect ‘Jogi’ to become such a big hit while working for it?

 
I never thought that it would create history and that I would be recognized so widely in the state while acting for it. I expected it would become a big hit but the proportion of the final result was a pleasant surprise.

How was your experience working in the film?

It was my first Kannada film and I enjoyed every moment of it. People in the film were all helpful. Shivaraj Kumar was a big name yet he found time for me and tried to get my dialogues right. He was a great help during the shooting of the song “Ello Jogappa Nin Aramane” in Rajasthan. Director Prem was simple outstanding.
 
How was it shooting for the solo number “Chuku Buku Railu”?

It is my favorite song. It was shot on the street of Bangalore and even children who danced with me were great. I learnt every line of the song well in advance and even listened to it before the shots in order to get the lines right.

Was the failure of ‘Sree’ disappointing?

No regrets in doing such kind of films. I looked natural in the film as a software engineer working in Bangkok. Even my friends said I looked good in glasses. Prakash is such a good director and the way he goes by with such precision and his manner of getting into the minutest detail is praise-worthy.

Tell us about your forthcoming films with Ravichandran and Upendra.

 
I am working with Ravichandran in ‘Ugadi’ and we have completed shooting two song sequences in Switzerland. I play the younger of the two sisters who are madly in love with the hero. It is a blend of sentiment and glamour. Ravi is such a big name in Kannada cinema, a sort of ‘jack-of-all-trades’. He is very energetic and humorous. I am also working with Upendraji for a new film and a schedule is already completed. I am lucky to have got the chance to act with such a popular star. You know, I have been longing to act with big stars and getting the dream opportunities makes me feel good.

Do you have any particular type of films to do in your mind?

I will take up films that have good storyline. People here are hard working and most of the films have good stories. I would love to take up variety of roles, especially comedy and emotional roles. Directors can extract the best out of me since I am a director’s actor.