With no family ties and godfathers in the industry Meera Jasmine has emerged as one of the most successful heroines in south India.

After doing powerful author-backed roles that fetched her a few awards including the state award for Best Actress, Meera has matured and now she has set eyes on Tollywood where she has bagged a few films opposite big stars and banners.

Meera is on cloud nine after her performance in Mani Ratnam’s Aayitha Ezhuthu has been appreciated. Excerpts from an interview:

Congratulations. You have been excellent in Aayitha Ezhuthu. How was it working with Mani Ratnam?

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Thanks a ton. It was a dream come true for me to work with one of India’s finest director. I couldn’t ask for more.

You have emerged as one of the most successful heroines in South India.
I don’t think that I am the most successful heroine as you make me out to be. Even now a new film is like a debut film for me as I take time to get into the skin of the character and after doing so it is difficult for me, when the film is over. I am still learning.

You have done so many characters now. Which among them is close to your heart?
Of course it is my first film Sootradharan in Malayalam. I played the role of an innocent 15-year old girl, something that I will not be able to do now. That innocent and naďve character of Shivani will always remain close to my heart.

But you are always in the news for all the wrong reasons - being linked with all your heroes and walking out of projects after signing the contract.
I have always been linked with my heroes and they call me the ‘Queen of Gossips” (laughs). I have taken them in my stride and now nothing dithers my spirit. I work hard and that’s it. People who write such gossips will keep quiet after sometime. And I have never walked out of any film as some reports indicate. Both Mullavalliyum Thenmavum and Mani Ratnam’s Aayitha Ezhuthu came at the same time. I preferred the latter and why should anyone find fault with that. And in Sabu Cyri-directed Mammootty film, I was just considered, as the makers themselves went around saying that the heroine has to be extremely beautiful, which I am not (smiles).

But they even married you off to Pritviraj
Can you believe that Pritvi himself called me up and told me that the press has married us off? Both of us laughed it off and what surprised me is that these people who make such allegations never bothered to check with either of us.

So what are your next plans?
To be around till the audience like me and offers come my way. After that I will also get married and lead a settled life (laughs loudly). Right now I am busy with two Telugu assignments.