EXCLUSIVE - Baahubali 2's Tamannaah Bhatia: I know any actor would do anything to be a part of this film

Tamannaah Bhatia stunned everyone with her warrior avatar in Baahubali - The Beginning. Now, the sequel to the film, Baahubali 2: The Conclusion is set to hit the screens tomorrow. The actor like in the first part also has a major role in the much-awaited sequel. She is paired opposite Baahubali's son Shivudu played by Prabhas itself. 

In a tête-à-tête, with PINKVILLA, Tamannaah spoke at length about how she dedicated so many years for Baahubali franchise. She also spoke about working with Prabhas and the whole experience of being a part of the magnum opus.

Excerpts...

What do you have to say about dedicating almost five years for Baahubali franchise?

I actually was the last entrant in Baahubali. They had actually finished the year full of the shoot and that's when I was got on board. In fact, when I got a call from Rajamouli Sir, I didn't know what part I am going to play. But when I heard the script and I got to know that I will play Avantika, it was such a magical moment for me because I knew it will be a turning point in my career and it was. Two years ago, Baahubali came out in the theatres and it was re-released again which is unheard for any Telugu film, which is not a Telugu film anymore. It represents our nation, it was shown internationally. So, now it's a pan-India film. I think Karan Johar is a very big reason why the film got a national viewership when he got on to the film to showcase the Hindi version that was really a big moment for us. I am very thankful to Rajamouli Sir for giving me this opportunity because Avantika is a very memorable character for me. Playing the angelic avenger has changed the way people look at me. 

How was the overall experience of playing Avantika in the film?

We all had to enter the world of Maheshmati. It is completely a different world from any other shooting. We are playing characters which are much larger than life and we are in situations that are beautiful and heroic. It has got a lot of magnanimity to it. All of us had to play very powerful characters. What I love about this film is being a war flick it has a lot of space for all the three females playing central characters including myself. We all had a very strong part to play in the film.

How difficult was it to shoot for the action sequences?

Every day it was a new learning experience. We were all like kids on the sets and I was amazed at how every shot was taken and how visual effects were incorporated into beautiful storytelling. In fact on the Baahubali set, I and my team expected the unexpected. We did not what is going to happen and yet we used to be amazed by how organized the team was. Baahubali was made by a family I say because Rajamouli Sir has all his family working with him on the set. I think this is unique, I have never seen anyone work like that which makes Baahubali a huge success as team efforts also come from the family. 

How lucky do you consider yourself for being a part of Baahubali franchise?

I know any actor would kill or do anything to be a part of this film and I get to be an essential part of it. I can never know what right I did to be a part of this. Rajamouli Sir has always been there and supported me through the film's shoot. He has been a dream director to work with.

Any memorable moment from the film that you will cherish for life?

I think every day was unique for me. But yes, during the rope shots was very memorable because I have a fear of heights and I overcome that through Baahubali. I thank Rajamouli Sir for that because of him I overcame the fear of heights. Now people say, 'Oh you climb the rope and fall from here and there.' And I tell them, 'Yes, I can do that." So, I think he has made me brave, by the kind of giving me this opportunity. I must say one thing that we had best safety measures while I was performing or Rana or Prabhas were performing. In face, Rajamouli Sir would try out every stunt by himself before he put us into it. I think that shows how great director that he is. He always cared about our safety. 

How was the experience working with Prabhas?

I have worked with Prabhas in a Telugu film before but we didn't get much chance to interact with each other. Our friendship became much stronger when we came on Baahubali. I think it's great sharing screen space with him because he is a very easy person. That's the reason he was able to do this film also because it is a very demanding film for the lead character. He has given five years of his life and I think he enjoyed every moment even the pain of doing action sequences. He busted his shoulder and eventually got ok with that. I think his entire journey is commendable and I wish this film goes down in history for Prabhas.