Did you face any problems initially with your strict dress code?
Not really. You're probably aware that my father was involved with Kannada films for more than four decades as a producer, director and writer. One of his friends offered me my first film out of the blue, when Iwas doing my first year MBBS, and I accepted the offer for a lark. With my maiden film in Kannada, 'Gandharva' (1992) becoming a hit, I decided to continue acting - though on my own terms, without exposing. There has been no change in my stance till date and my producers know pretty well what roles to offer me. Perhaps, compared to my first year in films, the length of my roles have increased, and also the number of songs. But I haven't become more liberal towards the idea of wearing provacative costumes. Even if such proposals were brought to me, I would reject them straight away. No producer has ever asked me to wear such costumes.

There are allegations that you ask film makers to alter the script midway through the making of a film?
I have never asked anybody to change the story to suit me. I do offer the occasional suggestion to enhance the overall product. It is no big deal. It is part of the involvement process. Like I said, producers and directors approach me only if they think I am suitable for a role. They wouldn't if I were as high-handed on the sets as I'm made out to be.

Is it true that you accept only heroine-oriented films these days?
I wonder how you got that idea. As far as I am concerned, I do not believe that an actress acquires an image only if she does heroine-oriented films. My recent films, 'Choodalani Vundi' and 'Raja' are both complementary to the hero's role and not really heroine-oriented. Even in Tamil 'Arunachalam' and 'Padayappa' where I've acted with Rajinikanth were not heroine-oriented. In film's like 'Arundhati' and 'Ammoru' the central plot revolved around my character. I feel the overall product will be good only if all the major characters shape up well.

You played an old woman in 'Sriramulayya'. Don't you think it is a risky thing to do at this stage in your career?
I play my age in the film and the old woman's get-up comes only at the end, for a few minutes. It is as per the reqirements of the script and I don't think it has affected my image in anyway. In fact, people appreciated my performance. And I believe one should do such roles, once in a while to break the monotony. I love variety in my roles, as is evident from the characters I play in films like 'Pellichesukundam', 'Pavithrabandham' and 'Ammoru'.

Which roles do you prefer most?
Comedy, because it's the most challenging. The toughest thing to do, if you ak me, is making someone laugh. But I'm equally at home in emotional roles too.

You seem to be trying to expand your horizons by accepting roles in other language films..?
I think language should not be a barrier for an artiste. I accept films in other languages because I'd rather not risk losing out on some good characters by sticking to one language.

How was it working with Amitabh Bachchan in 'Suryavamsham', your debut film in Hindi?
I was truly elated. I was amazed by his simplicity, despite the fact that he is an institution by himself.

How do you react to criticism?
There can be no growth or improvement in artistes without criticism, provided it is positive and healthy. But I am my worst critic, and whenever I see a film of mine, I notice scope for improvement in my performance.

You've acted in nearly 60 films. Is there any paricular kind of role you would love to do?
For me, the story should be good. I prefer a good subject which is well handled. Fortunately, all the films I am doing now offer me variety. There is no particular role I would say I prefer to do. I would be happy doing any challenging role which provides me scope to grow and develop my acting skills.

From Sowmya (her original name) to Soundarya, how would you analyse the growth in your career?
I was very shy to start with. Though my father is connected with films, I never wanted to become an actress, even though it sounds cliched. I wished to become a doctor. But destiny wished otherwise, so here I am.