I didn’t want someone filmi: Soundarya

The new year has begun on a great note for Soundarya Rajnikanth. Thalaivar’s second born, Soundarya, who also owns a reputed animation studio, has announced she’s ready to tie the knot. Soundarya’s getting engaged to Chennai-based businessman and Stanford graduate Ashwin Kumar, 27, on February 17.
So what took her so long to say yes? “I had to find the right man! Ashwin’s family and my parents are family friends.It was important that my parents approve of who I marry. So this will be a love-cum-arranged marriage,” says Soundarya. The two, we hear, have been seeing each other for a year now. So why did she keep it all hush-hush? “I’m a very private person. I don’t party or socialise much. When I’m not in the office, I’m at home or chilling with friends,” she tells us.
As for not choosing someone from tinseltown, Soundarya tells us she never wanted anyone filmi. “I’m an entrepreneur and I’d like to be with someone who’s from the same field. Even though I also dabble in films, Ashwin respects my work and is completely supportive of what I do. And appa is overjoyed with my choice,” explains the animation expert.
So when is the wedding? “It’s too early to comment on that, but I guess it’ll be sometime in 2010. Right now, I’m too busy admiring the ring he gave me when he proposed,” smiles Soundarya. So where does the couple plan to settle down after the wedding? “In Chennai, of course. My parents and Ashwin’s folk are here. But above all else, my first love — the production house — is based in Chennai. And no, Ashwin isn’t jealous,” she laughs.
So will it be a high-profile kalyanam, considering their families’ status or a low-key affair in keeping with her father’s principles? “I’ve left that to the elders — it’s for them to decide,” says Soundarya.
Currently, there are things other than her upcoming engagement occupying her mind. First up is the release of her first full-length commercial flick, Goa, at the end of the month. “Then there’s Endhiran’s graphic work, which will be done by my studio. I will release my debut directorial Sultan the Warrior, starring appa, only after Endhiran’s release. I’m also tying up with Gautham Vasudev Menon for his next film, which is a love story. And, yes, we’re in talks with Puneet Rajkumar and director Prem for something exciting,” she wraps up.
MADHU DAITHOTA
madhu.daithota@timesgroup.com