Ahilya, 25, reveals what it’s like to work with the oldest filmmaker in the world: ‘Never felt generations apart’
Ahilya Opens Up About Her Journey Working With a Cinematic Legend
Bharatmorningnews.com – At just 25 years old, Ahilya has already carved out an impressive space in Indian cinema. After catching audiences' attention in Shoojit Sircar's 2024 Hindi release "I Want To Talk," she transitioned to Telugu filmmaking with "Sing Geetham." What makes her debut particularly remarkable is that she was guided by Singeetham Srinivasa Rao, a 94-year-old director recognized as the world's oldest active filmmaker still working today.
Her passion for performance began in childhood, eventually transforming into a professional pursuit through her Instagram presence. This blend of traditional artistry and modern digital savvy defines her approach to acting.
A Unique Director-Actor Relationship
Several factors drew Ahilya to "Sing Geetham." She has always been fond of musical narratives, and the film's focus on environmental themes resonated with her personal values. The creative team behind the project also played a significant role in her decision.
Singeetham is 94 years old, he's a visionary who has seen cinema at every stage of its evolution. It was really lovely to be directed by him.
She also highlights the involvement of producer Nag Ashwin, whose previous work caught her attention.
And there's Nag Ashwin (producer) who has made such impeccable cinema. I was immediately drawn to that.
Due to travel limitations related to his age, Singeetham oversaw the production remotely. Despite this distance, his involvement was comprehensive and hands-on.
Every decision, every frame had to be vetted by him. He was in every writer's room; nothing would go past him. But to be directed by him was such a surprise because he came with such a light, jokey energy. He always had such funny things to say to us about our characters. I really enjoyed his energy. At no moment did we feel generations apart. I felt like we met with the same ideas and passion.
Embracing a New Language
While Ahilya is multilingual—fluent in English, French, Bengali, and Hindi—she undertook the challenge of learning Telugu specifically for her portrayal of Gauri in "Sing Geetham."
Taking up a project in a language you cannot speak is something most people wouldn't do.
She explains that her motivation went beyond simply accepting a new opportunity.
I think more than that, you want to do justice to a character that's so very Telugu, so rooted in her culture. I was very afraid that I wouldn't do justice. But I took it up as a challenge.
Having spent her formative years in Auroville, Ahilya found personal connections to her character. She notes that her own appreciation for the natural world and her upbringing surrounded by forests created a genuine bond with Gauri's story.
My love for nature, and the fact that I grew up in a forest, resonated with me.
Reception and Looking Ahead
The film's reception has been largely positive, though Ahilya acknowledges some viewers have commented on her Telugu accent. She remains unfazed by such observations.
People don't think I've nailed speaking Telugu and have an accent, which I do while speaking English too. I've made peace with it because I knew I wouldn't have been able to achieve perfection.
Since its theatrical run and subsequent Netflix release, the movie has connected with audiences on multiple levels.
People also got thinking about society and greed. It's a fable, but the lesson is not preachy. We gave it our best, and I'm happy it's resonating with people.
Beyond "Sing Geetham," Ahilya has a live-action video game titled "Mukti" in development, where she will serve as the central character.
About the Author
Neeshita Nyayapati holds a Master's degree in Journalism and brings over ten years of experience from her work as a field reporter and sub-editor at publications including The Times of India and Reader's Digest. Though she currently serves as Chief Content Producer, her primary identity remains that of a devoted cinema enthusiast.
Her love for films dates back to childhood, and she continues to seek out the latest romantic comedies and commercial releases for review purposes. While Telugu cinema forms her core focus, she covers news across Tamil, Malayalam, Kannada, and Hindi film industries as well. Beyond her professional pursuits, Neeshita enjoys reading, traveling, and exploring diverse landscapes from Gangtok's frozen lakes to Coorg's coffee estates.
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