Amy Jackson began her career in Tamil cinema as an girl in the period drama Madrasapattinam (2010). She surprised everyone by establishing herself as a prominent actress in the industry, with seven films in three languages, and four more films in the pipeline. Her performance in I, in particular, underlined her abilities as a talented actress. Not just someone who is there to make the frame pretty.
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We’re at the Wunderbar Studios, where Dhanush has just given the media an interview. Amy Jackson walks in, looking chic in ripped jeans, a tank top, and a leather jacket. Her first comment as she enters is, “Wow this room feels icy”. Coming from someone who grew up in England, you can imagine how cold the hall is. We settle down. The first topic of conversation is, of course, her next release Thangamagan.
“My character (Hema) is a bubbly 17-18 year old girl who doesn’t care what other people think. It’s about young love. In most films, I add years to my look. But this role is great because I get to go back in time, and that’s something I’ve always wanted to do. We’ve all been through young love. It’s a roller-coaster ride.”
Dhanush had been full of praise for his co-stars’ dedication. Ask Amy, and she turns the compliment around, “It’s so easy to be dedicated, because Dhanush is an inspiration. The way we balanced off each other in our performances was crucial in bringing out the right emotions for this very ‘real’ film. He’s one of the most talented actors in the industry. In addition to acting, he writes dialogues, sings, pens lyrics. After the shoot, he sits at the editing table. Then he works with Anirudh on the music. I worry that he’s going to burn out, but he just keeps on going. It’s amazing.”
There’s just one thing I wish I could change about Dhanush – how much he works. He doesn’t seem to stop.
She adds, “Thanganmagan is by far the easiest film I’ve worked on. The director and Dhanush knew exactly what they wanted. So there was no fuss or confusion on sets. It was a highly professional shoot, but a fun one.”
2015 has easily been her busiest year. She says, “I did some glamorous roles, but I did not want to be typecast that way. Glamour has a very short shelf life. All the films I’ve done this year, all my characters have been completely different. I was in a mega film (I), where my role was pivotal. Singh is Bliing was a mass-masala film, where I had an action packed role. In Gethu I play a traditional Brahmin girl, while in Theri I play a Malayali school teacher.”
Actresses from different states often cross language borders. Some pick up the languages easily. Others have to make do with ‘Konjam Konjam Tamil pesuven’. But Amy understands how important languages are to survival and success. “I work in three different industries within India, and in order to progress, I need to learn the languages. I have a coach who helps me with my lines, I’m even taking Kathak classes.” She laughs in wonder,
“Sometimes, I find myself thinking ‘What was England like?’”
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When she played an innocent yet strong woman of the British Raj in Madrasapattinam, little did she expect she would even sign another film. “When I started Madrasapattinam, all I thought was, ‘This is going to be brilliant. I’m going to do an Indian film. It’s something I can tell the grand-kids about.’ I didn’t even think I’d go on to become an actress. But the roles I’m doing now are a far cry from where I started.”
Amy’s Instagram account bio says “Actor and Wanderluster”. It’s full of pictures taken on flights, at airports and from hotels. I ask her what it’s like to live out of a suitcase. She laughs “This has been a busy year. My schedule is packed, but I thrive on it. Acting is a passion for me, and it’s my main priority. The crazy schedules are a part of it. And I love travelling, so I don’t really mind. But yes, sometimes it gets to you. Last week I was on a 36 hour flight to Los Angeles, and I was there for less than 24 hours. It’s definitely tiring. But very worthwhile.”
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What’s she doing when she’s not working? “To unwind, all I need is a good book, and the balcony at my home.” Having grown up riding ponies, she’s very fond of horses. Her mother is a riding school instructor. She says, “In England, I have my horses. I’m planning to buy myself a horse in Mumbai. They are like therapy for me.”
She loves her busy career, but there are downsides. Talk about Christmas, and she says mournfully, “I’ll be shooting. But I think I can head to Dubai for New Year’s Eve and have a good time”.
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Over the years, she’s managed to get many of her family and friends to watch her Tamil films. “Every time one of my films releases, my friends back home in Liverpool arrange a special screening. They are going to do that for Thangamagan as well. With subtitles, of course!” The Indian diaspora in England is huge, and Amy has been gaining a lot of recognition in the country this year. “Especially, after I and Singh is Bliing were released.”
Amy Jackson is very fond of her dubbing artistes. She feels their voices add soul to her performance. Actress Andrea dubbed for her in Thangamagan. Amy says, “Just from hearing the trailer, I can tell she’s done a great job. Her voice has added personality to the character. Sometimes when I listen to someone else’s dubbing, I’d feel ‘OK, that’s not how I would’ve said it’. But that was absolutely not the case here. She’s got it spot on. Even Raveena, who dubbed for me in I, did a great job. I think both their voices are a really good match for my characters.”
Amy Jackson isn’t done surprising the industry and fans. She says, “I love dubbing for myself, and I bet, in the next two or three years I’ll be dubbing for myself in Tamil too!”
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