Mesmerising Mamta

She might not be a hit machine yet but this seemingly naive babe is full of surprises. Born into a Malayali family, she was raised in Bahrain and shares, “Living in Bahrain, my only source of creative inspiration was the radio. I loved listening to music.” So did she always want to be an actress? “As a child I idolised my dad and had dreams of living abroad. And growing up, finance interested me since my dad works Merrill Lynch, but life unfolds in amazing ways,” she says.

Her super-hit songs in multiple Indian languages might be modern and seductive but the lady who has trained in Carnatic and Hindustani classical music for seven years reveals, “I think it is just a knack that I cultivated. It is just fueled by my passion and in fact I can sing Arab music just the way Arabs do it,” adding that “My training of course helps me.” Although she does not speak South Indian languages fluently she shares, “I watched a lot of movies, since my parents felt I was losing a connect with my culture and language. And am glad I can now say some of my favorite movies are from the South.” Speaking of her debut vehicle from acclaimed director Hariharan’s stable she shares, “It was during vacations and besides he was the man who had made Sargam — a musical hit and one of my favourite movies many years ago. So I had to do his project.” Does the sassy babe have any inspirations? “My progress is my own inspiration and I set benchmarks myself,” smiles the confident youngster who is also kicked about the fact that actor Simbu “himself offered me my first playback singing gig, Kaalai which was a hit.” Today, does she understand the filmy business better? “Yes. Increasing ones value of ‘distribution’ is very essential because that’s where the money comes from for all the stakeholders. I matured as an actor and learn't the craft initially but later on realised the importance the value of brand building too.” As a young person raking in the moolah, how does she invest her money, I think aloud? “I initially invested in land in India and now I have my own shore facing penthouse on the 23rd floor in Seef district of Bahrain. We are at a threshold where cash is king, so I would also tell people to be liquid rather than count on your assets,” says the actress with a gleeful smile. And on a parting note she shares, “I have planned my career graph in a way that entertains, enthralls people but definitely not titillate people. I believe in promoting my obvious acting talent rather than sell on the basis of sensuality alone.” But I had to ask her this, If she is keen on not banking on sensuality alone yet wants to rake in the moolah, how will she go about pursuing her goals? “I believe in being sensible in my approach to the economics of filmy business yet retaining my sense of direction,” says the forthright girl with oodles of charm that can captivate your senses.