Glamour isn''t about shedding clothes: Veda
She looks cute. She is smart. She has undoubted ability to act.
Yet, Veda is unable to make much headway in Tollywood.
Some local observers, in a biting sarcasm, say this may be because she is a local talent.
But Veda, who made her debut in Nenu (opposite Allari Naresh), is pretty hopeful that the tide will turn.

Is acting your first brush with arts?
Certainly no. I have been into dancing for several years. It has been my passion for several years. My mother is a Mohiniattam specialist. I have accompanied her on several stage shows. My father always wanted me to be a dancer.

So how did films happen?
It didn't happen overnight. My father was not very keen on me getting into films. But my friends kept saying that I have a good future in films. And when Nenu came my way, I was very much impressed with its story line. Then I told my father that the subject was too good to be missed. Though he had his misgivings, he saw the point in my steadfast arguments. Finally, he accepted it and here I am before you.

Was he happy with Nenu?
Yes. He was impressed with the film. His doubts and misgivings gave way after he saw the film and my performance in it.

How did you yourself saw Nenu, and its failure?
I was very much taken in by the story and my character in it. Otherwise I would not have done the film. It was a touching tale with plenty of raw realism in it. It was a gritty film. Obviously, the failure of Nenu hurt. It was not in our scheme of things. But I always consider myself lucky that I got to do such a classy film in my first attempt itself. It surely helped me to gain confidence. I am lot more composed because of Nenu.

These days there is no escaping glamour for a heroine. What is your take on glamour?
As you say there is escape from it. But it all dep3ends upon how you see it. It is all about bringing in a sense of aesthetics into it. Quite simply, Tollywood actresses are conservative to Bollywood ones. But our idea of glamour is all different. For me, it is not all about shedding clothes. It is about enhancing beauty. You can be glamorous even when you are fully clad in sari. Glamour is also something thing passing clouds. But performance can stand the test of time. It is what can show you in better light.

So what is your kind of roles?
Ones with lot of scope for acting. But at the same time I don't mind looking modern and hip. My role in Suryam (opposite Mohan Babu’s son Vishnu) is a good case in point. It has glamour parts as well as scope for acting. It kind of fits into my profile and perception.
Tell us something about your film with Krishna Vamsi
I am extremely fortunate that I am doing a film with a stalwart like Vamsi so early in my life. I never imagined that I would get a chance to work him so early in my career. He is a master of his art and craft.

How would you describe your experience in Tollywood so far?
In one word great. It has been nice working with so many nice people. They have treated me very well and given lot width and space. I am happy that I chose acting.