‘Jailer 2’ Actor Meghana Raj Sarja On Working With Rajinikanth: ‘I Was In A Daze The Entire Time’ (EXCLUSIVE)

For most Indian actors, sharing screen space with Rajinikanth is a milestone. And it certainly was for actor Meghana Raj Sarja, who is part of “Jailer 2,” Nelson Dilipkumar’s highly anticipated sequel to the 2023 film. Ahead of the October 15 release, the actor speaks exclusively to Variety India about working with Rajinikanth, the excitement of being part of one of this year’s most awaited films and the roles she wants to take on.

You’ve spoken about being a huge Rajinikanth fan and even breaking down when you first met him. Do you remember your first meeting with him? 
I was very nervous. I have watched his films since childhood and have idolized him ever since. My parents had worked with him and met him a few times, but I had never met him. This was the first time I saw him in person. When I saw Rajini sir, I felt like my dream had come true. I couldn’t believe that I was meeting him. My husband Chiranjeevi Sarja was also a huge fan of Rajini sir. He even had a poster of Rajini’s ‘Kabali’ on his door. Interestingly, the release of ‘Jailer 2’ (October 17) coincides with my husband’s birthday. 

What was it like to share screen space with Rajinikanth after years of watching him on screen? 
Watching him perform live is amazing. Watching him in front of the camera and hearing him deliver his dialogues is surreal. I was in a daze the entire time I was shooting with him. 

What can you reveal about your character in ‘Jailer 2’? 
The character that I’m playing in the film is very rooted. When people watch the film, they will understand why I was chosen to play the role. The character is centered around my personality. 

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You are returning to Tamil cinema after more than a decade. Did you feel like you were stepping into familiar territory, or did it feel like you were starting afresh? 
I felt like I was starting afresh. When I returned to Malayalam cinema with “Ottakomban,” I felt like I was entering familiar territory. But here I felt very new. I felt like a starstruck girl because of the huge star cast, the working environment, and the project’s overall magnanimity. But eventually, I felt comfortable because all the stars on set were down to earth, and they never made me feel less than them. 

You’ve acted in all four industries in the South. After all the years, how do you feel you’ve evolved as an actor? 
Today, I am more comfortable facing the camera. I think I looked my best 10 years ago, but I felt I wasn’t good enough. If I performed the way I did 10 years ago, I don’t think it would work for the films that I’m doing now. I felt inadequate back then, but now I’m comfortable in my own skin. I’m happy with the roles that I’m playing, and I’m content with the way I look. Earlier, I used to take everything seriously and get affected by minor things, but now I know what to take seriously and what not to. 

After ‘Jailer 2’, what kind of roles would you want to challenge yourself with, and what’s next? 
I’m open to doing anything. I’ve always liked to experiment, so I don’t mind playing characters with negative shades, either. My role needs to be important. My upcoming release is “Sangeetha Bar and Restaurant,” which hits screens in December.