Malay-Indian actress on fast-track to stardom

Kuala Lumpur, June 29 (ANI): Malay-Tamil actress Shantini Theva used to be a Tamil film fan, but today, she is part of the glitzy industry herself-she is playing one of the main female leads in big budget flick 'Nadodigal'.

Hailing from Banting, Selangor, Shantini has many more offers pouring in, which could soon see her join the ranks of famed Tamil film stars like Jothika, Simran and Sneha.

"It is a very surreal feeling but I am glad to have been given a chance to be part of India's industrious cine world," Star Online quoted Shantini as saying.

And she is certainly headed towards superstardom, for her co-star in the movie is Sasi- kumar, who is currently the talk of the movie world in Madras due to his sterling performance in the box office hit 'Subramaniapuram'.

Shantini has said that working with the all-Indian crew members was also a valuable experience for her as it gave her an insight on the work culture there.

"All the cast and crew were efficient and dedicated and it was also a big thrill to work with director P. Samuthirakkani," she said.

Shantini received the offer to act in 'Nadodigal' from Samuthirakkani after she played the role of a private investigator in about 25 episodes of Tamil soap opera 'Arasi'.

"He asked me if I would like to star in his movie and I accepted without a second thought," said the eldest of five siblings.

Shantini said that she would soon be back in India to act in a Telegu as well as a Tamil movie.

She revealed that she received the offers while she was shooting Nadodigal.

Shantini said that many filmmakers had also asked her to apply for permanent residence status in India as they foresaw a long career ahead for her there.

"I have taken their advice and am currently in the process of applying to be an Indian permanent resident," said Shantini. (ANI)