Shamna Kasim aka Purnaa on her viral dance in Rajinikanth’s ‘Jailer 2’ song ‘Ala Bolelo’: ‘I was pregnant when I shot for this song’

Shamna Kasim aka Purnaa's latest dance number, “Ala Bolelo” from “Jailer 2” has taken over the internet within days of the release of its lyric video. An accomplished actress and classical dancer from Kerala, she has built a career working in films across Malayalam, Tamil, Telugu and Kannada cinema. In an exclusive interview with Variety India, Kasim talks about dancing with Tamil superstar Rajinikanth, prepping for the song and being compared with actress Tamannaah Bhatia.

Excerpts…

How was the experience of working with Rajinikanth on ‘Ala Bolelo’ from ‘Jailer 2’?

I am a huge fan of Rajinikanth sir. I grew up watching his movies. In fact, I loved his song, ‘Minsara Kanna’ with Ramya Krishnan in "Padayappa” (1999). I used to imagine myself with him in that song instead of Ramya. So, I guess I manifested this new song for myself.

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Did you get to interact with him on the sets?

I find it hard to explain in words what it felt like to be with him on the same set. I have always seen him as his character in ‘Padayappa.’ I was nervous while shooting with him. After I did my first shot with him, he told me that I have very powerful eyes. For me, that was the ultimate compliment.

Has dance always been a part of your growing-up years?

I’m a trained classical dancer who has been passionate about dancing since my childhood., It was a dream to become a dancing sensation. But I came from a conservative family. And I could not even consider being a part of cinema, especially since I come from Kannur, a village in Kerala. I used to do a lot of shows in Kannur and somewhere along the way, I became an actress. I have done a lot of dance songs even in my films. I have also done special numbers like “Kurchi Madathapetti” in “Guntur Kaaram” alongside Mahesh Babu and Sreeleela. It was a huge hit, but I had a small portion in that song. However, there were not too many opportunities as I was very uncomfortable about wearing revealing clothes.

How did ‘Ala Bolelo’ come your way?

I think the director of “Jailer 2,” Nelson Dilipkumar saw my song from “Guntur Kaaram’ and reached out to me. I had given up hopes of getting a song where I could wear a costume that worked for me. But ironically, God had written this song for me after my marriage and two kids. I was pregnant when I shot for “Ala Bolelo” and I didn’t even realise it. I remember asking the director about the costume and he said that I would be wearing a sari. Nelson is clear about his vision. He said the song would portray grace and not glamour. He wanted someone who could emote well as the song has a lot of expressions in it.

What was the mood on the sets when ‘Ala Bolelo’ was being shot?

We rehearsed this song for two days and shot the entire song in six days. I have always admired Madhuri Dixit for her graceful dances.  While shooting this song, I became Madhuri Dixit in my head. Everyone watching me dance during this shoot kept telling me that this number is going to make me very popular. But I didn’t pay attention to their words. I was just focused on dancing.

People have compared your dance moves in ‘Ala Bolelo’ with Tamannaah Bhatia’s dance steps in ‘Kaavaalaa’ in ‘Jailer.’

Both songs are in two very different zones. In any case, I feel people should stop comparing one song to another. I am a big fan of Tamannaah’s. I love her. We are not close friends, but whenever we meet at any awards function, we are very appreciative of each other. She will come across and talk to me about my dance performances. I am a huge fan of her beauty and her dancing. However, I can never dance like her. That style is special to her alone.