Not many know that the glamorous and beautiful Lakshmi Rai was a tomboy in her school days who never hesitated to do what the guys did. Motorcycle riding was one feat that she attempted, and she even survived an accident. Little did she know that those bike-riding sessions would come to her aid as an actor years later.
In Irumbu Kuthirai Rai is a motorcyclist called Christine, who’s the hero’s buddy.
“When Yuvaraj offered me the role, I was excited. I then learnt that my character has great significance in the story as the hero draws strength from Christine.
“Yuvaraj however did not want Christine to look tomboyish, so he gave her a funky touch and retained her feminine charms.”
As for handling those mean bikes, she said: “It was quite tough balancing the heavy models and managing the gears. Initially I was conscious and nervous, but slowly remembering my old times with a bike, I pulled off the scenes with few mishaps.”
Every morning Rai had to sit for two hours while make-up artists worked on her — because Christine has tattoos all over her body.
“Anywhere my skin showed, they would cover it immediately with tattoos,” said the actress with a laugh.
A big plus was losing fifteen kilos for the role.
“It is a wonderful feeling now,” she said.
Appreciating Yuvaraj, she added: “I was impressed with the way he had written the screenplay. He was well prepared with references to his characters and even had sketches about how Christine would look.
“The end product belies the fact that he is a first timer.”
Bonding with Atharvaa became easy once she learnt that he too was a Maratha like her.
“We gelled well. He is sincere and dedicated,” said Rai, who got into modelling at age 15 and has been in the industry for the past ten years working in all four south Indian languages. She has worked with the two legends of Malayalam films, Mohan Lal and Mammootty.
Close on the heels of Irumbu Kuthirai is the release of Malayalam film, Rajadhi Raja, opposite Mammootty.
“I play Mammuka’s wife and a mother to a six year old child,” said Rai.
This is her fourth film with Mammootty.
“I am blessed to have worked with the two stalwarts of Malayalam industry. Under their guidance, I have learnt that it is not just about acting but looking natural.”
Coming up soon is another Tamil film, Aranmanai, a horror comedy, directed by Sundar C.
“I play a desirable woman in this horror comedy,” said Rai.
