As simple as aam admi is what Shriya Saran is. Of course we are talking about nothing but her on-screen avatar in Gali Gali Chor Hai. The actor plays Nisha, a Bhopal girl. “I play a house wife who has simple pleasures. Misunderstandings crop in my marriage after a paying guest enters the scene,” says Shriya. The story however is more than a family drama. It reflects the travails of the Indian middle class. Corruption is the other issue that has been addressed.

“As an actor I was able to do justice to my middle class character as I myself come from one such family. My mother was a school teacher and I remember how much she had to save even to buy a new set of curtains! I have seen days where sweetmeats were a luxury and the first scooter and car rides were experiences of a lifetime! I understand the struggles, dreams and aspirations of the middle class well and brought my own experiences into perspective while enacting the role,” says Shriya.

Despite its theme, the film is far from being depressing according to the actor. “It shows how common man can get sucked into the system and become a victim, but in a fun way.” The fact that Anna Hazare and the villagers of Ralegan Siddhi who saw the film recently enjoyed the film comes as a testimony. So how was it interacting with Hazare? “When the rest of the country was complaining about corruption, Anna chose to do something about it. He is very inspirational.”

Another person whom Shriya has high regards for is Malayalam actor Mohanlal. “I co-starred with him in the just released Casanovva and it proved to be a great learning experience.” Her upcoming film Midnight’s Children is proving to be a similar affair she adds. “To get into the character I spent a lot of time in the slums. I want to do films that shake me out of my comfort zone. I want films to surprise me!”

Shriya is also enjoying her assignment as the brand ambassador of Celebrity Cricket League. “It’s great fun watching my favourite actors play their favourite game. It’s like the world cup of the film industry.” Lastly are there any Kannada films on her platter? “I have not done Kannada films (Look’s like she has forgotten her special appearance in Puneet Rajkumar’s Arasu), but I am open to the option,” she signs off.