Shriya: Yeah I played a mom, so what?

For the first time since making her debut 14 years ago, Shriya Saran has played a housewife in not one but two Telugu films back-to-back — Manam and Gopala Gopala. Has the eternally sensual diva turned the corner? Shriya doesn't quite look at it that way.

"I've enacted several roles in my career so far and I've tried to do different kinds of films all through. I'm at a stage where I can do only roles that fascinate and make me happy. People, of course, are free to make their deductions, you can't stop them; can you?" she says.

It isn't often that we see leading actresses playing a mother to a 10-year-old on screen like Shriya did in the recently released Gopala Gopala. The actress doesn't seem to get what the big deal is. "Yeah, I played a mom. So what? How does it matter really? I'm an actor and it's my job to act. It was a beautifully etched character and why would I not take it up? I have no qualms playing any character as long as it inspires me," says the actress.

Elaborating on what she liked about playing Venkatesh's wife, Shriya says, "It's a film that makes you question your beliefs and take a good hard look at yourself. Venky plays an unabashed atheist, who is wedded to a staunch believer. The relationship between Venkatesh and me encapsulates the central debate around which the film is based — the existence of God."

Describing the experience of working with Pawan Kalyan, the actress says, "I worked with Pawan before and it's always nice to work with people who you connect with.We used to have long conversations on the sets about several philosophical issues. Venky would also join in with his profoundly funny take on things."

Ask the actress how she manages to look agelessly ravishing and she says, "I enjoy my workout and I do yoga every second day. I also indulge in many sports activities. It keeps my mind refreshed. I can't go on a diet and I don't advocate crash dieting either. I'm a big foodie, but eat in the right quantity. I indulge in South Indian food like sambar, raagi idli, dal dosa, etc. I also eat lot of veggies, salads, fresh fruits etc. that keep my metabolism high."

The actress doesn't seem to be in any rush to get hitched either. "People ask me this question all the time. Marriage is not on the cards yet. No plans as of now," she says.