Samantha on Shaakuntalam: Didn't have confidence to play a princess

Actor Samantha Ruth Prabhu on Thursday said she had initially turned down offer to headline upcoming film "Shaakuntalam" as she didn't have confidence to pull off mythological character often described as "symbol of perfection".  Telugu film, based on Kalidasa's acclaimed Sanskrit play Abhijnana Shakuntalam, is set to release in atres on April 14.

Billed as a whimsical tale, Shaakuntalam revolves around epic love story of Shakuntala (Samantha) and King Dushyant, played by Dev Mohan of "Sufiyum Sujatayum" fame. After playing a gritty role in second season of " Family Man", Samantha said she was scared to step into world of "Shaakuntalam".

"I had first said because I was doing ' Family Man 2', in which I had a real role. Since childhood, Disney has been my favourite genre. Irrespective of wher I am happy or sad, I would watch Disney films. So, I did t have confidence that I could play Shakuntala, a princess, a symbol of perfection. 

"I was scared. If you see, in last three years, I have been taking on a lot of challenges. n I spoke to producer, Dil Raju, who had a lot of confidence (in me). I thought of taking it (up) as a challenge because it is my only chance to play a role that I dreamt of as a child," 35-year-old actor told reporters here.

She was speaking at trailer launch press conference of "Shaakuntalam". Dev, whose credits also include Malayalam film "Panthrandu", said he is happy to have his first pan-India release in "Shaakuntalam". "It is a dream debut. We shot in Telugu and it is my first pan-India film and I did it with Samantha. I am so, so happy. It was a great experience," he said.  

He also praised Samantha for helping him with Telugu langu. "It was very difficult for me initially as Telugu is t my mor tongue, it is a very new langu. She supported me to get best... Her support helped me bring chemistry out," Dev added. 

Gunasekhar, director of "Shaakuntalam", expressed his gratitude to legendary filmmaker V Shantaram for inspiring him to make film.  "On this occasion, I would like to remember V Shantaram sir, who made two films on same subject, like 'Shakuntala', in 1943 and he made 'Stree' in 1960s. He is a great inspiration for technicians like us. I am houred. I am happy I got to do this film," he said. 

Asked if life had changed post " Family Man 2" and hit song "Oo Antava Oo Oo Antava" from "Pushpa: Rise", Samantha said, "Somebody has to tell my dogs, I am a pan-India star... I don't think it has changed at all. I am only a star till 6pm and after that my life is extremely rmal. thing has changed in my head at least." 

She is grateful to have received diverse work opportunities, including Indian chapter of Prime Video series "Citadel", actor said. "I didn't expect I would come this far. I feel very privileged with kind of roles that I am doing. Like, I am working on 'Citadel' and everyday was exhilarating, it is so fulfilling. I am so happy. 

"It is tough. But yet it is so fulfilling for a woman to do action and t have a hero saving her all time. So, it is great. It is a new phase for me and I am enjoying it," she added. "Shaakuntalam" is presented by Dil Raju via Sri Venkateswara Creations in collaboration with Gunaa Teamworks and is produced by Neelima Guna.