I’m all mom at home & fully An actor on the set: Genelia

Genelia Deshmukh is a name synonymous with South cinema. It was her breakout role as the effervescent Hasini in the 2006 hit Bommarillu that catapulted her to stardom. As the spirited young lady who helps Siddu, the protagonist break free from his father’s rigid control, Genelia’s performance left an indelible mark on audiences.

After dazzling in numerous Telugu and Tamil films, she bid adieu to the silver screen in 2012, trading spotlights for a quieter life with husband Riteish Deshmukh and their growing family. Thirteen years later, Genelia returned to South cinema with the Telugu-Kannada bilingual Junior, playing the protagonist’s mother. In an exclusive chat with Hyderabad Times, she opens up about the transformative power of parenting, her discerning approach to career choices, and her take on the evolving landscape of South cinema.‘Hyderabad feels like a home away from home’For Genelia, who spent much of her early career shooting films in Hyderabad, the city has always felt like a place of comfort. She shares, “When I’m in Hyderabad, I feel a deep connection with the people here. I have a special bond with the city. Even when I’m alone, there’s a strong sense of belonging to the city and its people. I’m incredibly grateful for the opportunities I have had, the people I have met, and the support I’ve received from here.

I also love Hyderabad’s weather. I find myself returning time and again. It truly feels like a home away from home.”‘I’ve been lucky to have played characters I have taken home with me’Genelia made a name for herself in the Telugu film industry with roles like Madhumathi in Happy (2006), and Pooja in Ready (2008). Reflecting on her journey, she says, “One of my biggest takeaways from working in Tollywood is getting to play such deeply etched characters.

I have been lucky to have played characters I have taken home with me. Many of the directors who brought these characters to life deserve credit for the roles I have played.

I’m incredibly grateful to have been the face of so many wonderful characters in South Indian cinema.”‘Visibility has never really bothered me’In a profession where visibility often takes precedence over talent, Genelia chose to take more than a decade long break to prioritise her family and embrace motherhood.

Reflecting on why the break never intimidated her, she says, “Visibility has never really bothered me. Even now, when people ask if I plan to take on more work, I explain that I took a 10-year break to focus on being a mom rather than an actor. It was a conscious, personal choice.

But it wasn’t like I wasn’t working at all. I was working as a producer and an entrepreneur, which fulfilled me as an individual. That decision was very clear to me at the time. Today, I’m able to focus on myself, and I’m fortunate to have a very supportive husband. He values my time, and with that kind of support, it truly feels like a win-win situation. So, I think the beauty of these 10 years was that I could experience different aspects of my life that I wouldn’t haveotherwise.”

‘I never want my kids to come home to an empty house’On the importance of her role as a parent, she shares, “At home, even during meals, Riteish and I always put our phones aside because that’s when we have our most meaningful conversations. Our kids are quite particular about it — they often remind us, ‘Aai Baba, keep your phones away.’ When I’m travelling for work, I make sure to inform my kids and plan my schedule around their routine.

If I’m ever late, I make sure the kids aren’t coming back to an empty house.

Riteish always steps up and is very supportive. These small but important rules mean a lot to us.Riaan and Rahyl are my world. As a couple, we grow every day, but as parents, we deeply cherish the time and moments we share. Parenthood has only strengthened that appreciation. When I’m with my kids, I’m fully present as a mother, and when I’m acting, I give my complete focus as an actor.”

‘When I started, people often said that Bollywood dropouts make it big in South cinema’On the topic of the North–South cinema divide, she says, “I believe we should view it simply as Indian cinema. When I started, people often said that Bollywood dropouts were working in South cinema, but I never saw it that way. To me, it has always been about telling a story. And when a film succeeds, the celebration happens all across India. After all, we are all lovers of cinema.” Reflecting on the evolution and progress of Telugu cinema since her debut in Satyam (2003), she says, “Back then, Telugu cinema was playing a completely different game, but after Baahubali, the growth of Tollywood has become truly remarkable.

I feel incredibly proud to have been part of this industry from the very beginning. It’s inspiring to hear about the success stories and the quality of work being produced today. I’ve been fortunate to work with talents like Ram Charan, Allu Arjun, Jr NTR, and Ram Pothineni, and seeing their achievements fills me with happiness. I send my best wishes and hope the industry continues to reach even greater heights.”‘My mom was moved to tears during the theatre screening of Bommarillu’Talking about playing Hasini in Bommarillu (2006), a role that made her a household name and won her the Nandi Special Jury Award, she recalls her mother’s reaction in the theatre during the initial release. “I remember watching the climax scene of Bommarillu with my mother, where my character confronts everyone. She began weeping in that moment. I found myself crying too. I consider it a huge blessing that I was given a chance to play such an impactful role.

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