I want my market value: Priya Mani

A National award and now two Filmfare awards ��� for Paruthi Veeran and Thirakatha ��� have set Priya Mani charting a POA for the future.
The Bangalorean lass now has a Mani Ratnam film, which she has pinned her hopes on ��� ���No, I���m not playing Surpanaka in it��� ��� a biggie Telugu film titled Pravarkyudu ��� ���It���s a performance-oriented role��� ��� and Raam with namma Appu.���Until now, I had my doubts about doing a Kannada film because the market for it is restricted to Karnataka, unlike other regional films. But an offer opposite Puneet Rajkumar in a film directed by Madesh of Gaja fame was like a perfect launch vehicle in Kannada,��� says Priya Mani.
And she has no regrets that her talent has only found a mention in the media and among critics in recent times. ���It���s taken me five years to get here. It���s only after Paruthi Veeran that people started noticing my acting skills. So, I���m happy I found fame after much struggle rather than becoming a superstar in my first film,��� explains the actress.
The awards and acclaim that have come her way, she says, have only made her resolve of taking up substantial roles stronger. So, no more bikini acts? ���I wore the bikini in Drona for fun. Besides, after Nayanthara in Billa, there was this notion that no other actress would be willing to wear a bikini. But my director felt I���d look good in it. I too was convinced and felt wearing a bikini would be a change from my usual image. It drew its share of reviews ��� both good and not-so-good ones. I also haven���t got any new offers to wear a bikini,��� says a candid Priya.
A bikini act and a kitty full of awards. Will she now hike her price? ���There���s nothing wrong in hiking my price. I���ve delivered three consecutive hits, so I think it���s justified. And tell me which actress doesn���t hike her price these days? And I���m only asking for my market value ��� pay me my price and I���ll do your film,��� she asserts.
Check out Priya Mani���s pics