Exclusive- "Initially people were hesitant about me playing Sakthi but they have accepted it quite well," says Amman 3 actress Pavithra Gowda

Amman is the longest-running daily soap currently being aired on Tamil television. First aired in January, 2020, the series has crossed the 1000 episodes with an overwhelming response from the audience. Recently, the makers launched the third season of the soap.

"It still feels like the soap began yesterday. But here we are in the third season, "shared the actress Pavithra Gowda, in an exclusive interview with ETimes TV. In this exclusive chitchat, the actress poured her heart out, right from her preparation for the new season to her sentiment associated with 'Amman'.

Many things have changed in these two years. We’ve worked without any breaks. In fact, it feels like I have had no rest at all. And it’s a good thing, to be busy with work.

Previously, I was playing a negative role in a Kannada TV serial. In the early days, I found it hard to play the exact opposite role to the previous one, Shakthi. It was a complete contrast. Being Sakhi, in a saree and heavy ornaments was a challenge too. But eventually, I fit into the role easily. Playing Amman and Shakthi is a blessing in disguise for any actor."

"I never thought I would be an actress. When I was in my second year, my friends compelled me to attend an audition. In fact, I was unable to say a single line of dialogue in front of the audience during the audition. But somehow I got a chance as an actor, while I was studying.

But acting as Shakthi is my first full-time experience. I feel this role is more responsibility for me. When I accepted the opportunity to play the negative role, everyone said, "You are perfect for the negative role." They were hesitant about me playing Shakthi and, on occasion, Amman.

Once they saw me in Shakthi's role, they were convinced that I was more suitable for this role."

Shakthi and Eshwar, the two main leads of the serial, have a separate fan base on social media. Quizzing about the fans' response, the actress has said, "Initially, I was reluctant about whether the fans would accept me as Shakthi. I used to wait for fans' comments. But they have accepted me as Shakthi very well. I was reluctant because I was a very different person in real life from Shakthi. Whenever fans see me outside, they will be very doubtful. They might get the feeling that I am an actress, but would not be able to recognise me as Shakthi, " says the actress.

Amman is a daily soap, where a long list of celebrities have made special appearances. Recently, actress Ananthi Ajay and actress Rakshita Mahalakshmi starred together.

Speaking about the star cast, Pavithra said, "Though we have crossed 1000 episodes, every day is a new day on the set. Every morning, we arrive at the shooting location with excitement to see which actor might have come to the set today. I get an ample of opportunity to socialise with fellow actors on the set.

As the storyline keeps changing, we also get new challenges, like recently learning fencing for Amman 3. Though it was just a two to three-minute fight sequence, it took half a day to shoot. The stunt master taught me how to hold the sword perfectly and swing it right.

The experience is similar to any reality show, where you get to finish a task to reach the next level."

Talking about Amman 3, the actress said, "Amman 3 is an emotional story between mother and daughter Shakthi. In season one, Shakthi went in search of her mother. In this season, it is quite the opposite. I think this season would be a perfect family entertainer, appealing to every age group in the Tamil household."