Time evoked a good response and Pranayakalam has just hit the theatres. Miss India-Australia Vimala Raman who plays a significant role in both these movies is elated.

A tete-a-tete with the actor.

It’s said that Shaji Kailas fell for your expressive eyes after watching the stills of Poi?

I take it as a compliment! It was a pleasure to work with a hitmaker like him and a star like Suresh Gopi.

The film worked well for me. The only thing that perturbed me was the language. But I’ve picked up a lot and am still working on it.

How do you assess your performance in Time?

Fair enough! I never thought I could portray such a sensitive role.
The character Vaigai, a pookari, was not close to my life in any way.
Having lived a different life in Australia, the role was amusing. But I think I did my best, taking into account the fact that this is my second movie.

As Time ticks by, it’s rumoured that you’ve already set your eyes down South?

I grew up watching Tamil and Malayalam movies and so, I love them a lot.

Pranayakalam by Uday Anandan has been released and Sooryan by VM Vinu will hit the theatres soon.

Sooryan will find me sharing the screen along with seasoned actors like Jayaram.
And I will be playing a meaty role in the new Blessy film, Calcutta News.

How did you find the script of Pranayakalam?

It has a riveting story board. The director and even the hero are new faces.

The theme is something we can really relate to – not the run-of-the-mill kind.

You walked right into the heart of many, winning the Miss India Australia title in 2004. How did that happen?

Whew! It was a kind of boost to my whole personality. A two-week workshop on grooming with the entire gang of participants was quite an experience.

Out of 200 applicants, 12 were selected for the pageant. Winning that crown was the best moment in my life.

What happened after that?

Following the pageant, I had a chance to participate in the Miss India Worldwide as well, which presented me with the title – ‘Miss India Beautiful Face.’

To be honest, I didn’t have any plans to stay in India, but a spate of modelling assignments kept me back. And now, I have movies too.

Tell us about your modelling stint.?

I love modelling and I’ve been featured in the ads of Bhima jewellery, ManMandir Sarees, Dhathri group and RajMahal Sarees.

When did you take to learning dance?

I’ve been learning Bharatanatyam since the age of four.
In Australia, the Indian community is eager to promote its own art and culture.
I used to fly down to Chennai every year for the music and dance festival.
This dance form has given me such fame and glory.
In fact, I have given stage performances in various parts of the world.

However, what thrilled me the most was the opportunity to take part in a dance solo at the Sydney Olympics-2000.

What next?

I’ve just completed a course in Information Technology.
At the same time, I’m shuffling between modelling and movie schedules. Hope, you’ll get to see more of me soon.