Tough being a comedienne: Vidyullekha Raman

Southern film actress Vidyullekha Raman believes it's a "challenge" being a character artist-cum-comedienne in an industry where even heroines get stereotyped in insignificant roles.

The young actress, who signed her 25th film, admits her two and a half years' journey in the industry has had its share of challenges.

"It's tough being a comedienne in an industry where even heroines rarely find good roles. At one point, I almost decided to quit films and wanted to study theatre abroad because I was tired of the insignificant roles that I was being offered.

"I remember venting about this to an established heroine, and she said that I should be happy that I get noticed even in small roles," Vidyullekha told IANS.

"She told me visibility is high as a supporting actress because one gets to work in so many films. That's when I realised it's better to be present briefly in a film and make your presence felt than come throughout a movie and have nothing to contribute," she said.

In 2012, Vidyullekha made her acting debut in filmmaker Gautham Vasudev Menon's Tamil-Telugu romantic drama "Neethaane En Ponvasantham".

Although her debut film bombed, she was lucky to bag star-studded Tamil projects such as "Jilla" and "Veeram".

Vidyullekha feels the scene is slowly changing, adding that filmmakers like M. Rajesh are giving more weightage to the supporting cast, especially comedians.

"I think it was Rajesh, who set the trend where the lead comedian appeared throughout the film along with the hero. I'm really looking forward to his forthcoming Tamil comedy 'Vasuvum Saravananum Onna Padichavanga', in which both Tamannaah (Bhatia) and I have solid roles," she added.

Although she agrees male comedians will be given more importance but she hopes female comedians are not left too far behind.

Her next big release is Vijay-starrer Tamil fantasy drama "Puli", which will hit the screens in September.

"I'm really looking forward to the release because I've essayed a very different character. It's always special to be part of a film also featuring Vijay."

She also has Tamil projects "Meendum Oru Kadhal" and "Panjumittai" coming up for release. In Telugu, she has a yet-untitled film with Sudheer Babu and the "Sundarapandian" remake in her kitty.