Rupa Sridhar describes herself as “an out and out IT professional” with 24 years experience. She has “worked in the US for many years at NASA. I was a software scientist, into research and enjoyed my work.

After having worked abroad for years, we decided to return for personal reasons,” says Rupa, who adds that she was at the peak of technology while working “amidst geeks and interesting people in the US”.

After 17 years with NASA, Rupa started working in Bengaluru, till she decided to take a break. “Working 16 hours a day in different time zones takes its toll on your health and mind.”

Hence, she started her own software company. “In spite of all this, I felt there was a tiny creative aspect hiding in a corner of my heart. Even in the US, I was a part of theatre. There I took it up as a hobby.”

Rupa also acted in an American short film, “which never was released I think,” she says with a laugh. It was chance meeting with director SD Arvind, that landed her in a role in his film Mataash, which will release in the first week of December.

“We had an audition and I was selected for the role. We were also given a short workshop where we were taught the nuances of acting and before I knew it, we had completed the shoot of Mataash.” Rupa plays a modern mother in the film and says she felt comfortable in the role as she could identify with it. She is also all praise for the director.

“Arvind stands out as a true professional. When I met him, I felt he is a brilliant combination of education and creativity and will surely go far ahead.”

Any initial jitters facing the camera? “I was awkward the first few minutes, but Arvind made it look like a piece of cake. Soon, we were all comfortable in front of the camera.”

If Rupa was offered a film and an invitation to return to NASA, which would she choose? She laughs and says, “I better zip my mouth. Actually, a second stint at NASA is always welcome; but if films also come up, I am open to that too.”

source: http://www.thehindu.com / The Hindu / Home> Entertainment> Movies / by Shilpa Sebastian / November 27th, 2018