Megha Akash is certainly making up for lost time. There was the glimpse we got of her in December 2016, courtesy the teaser of Gautham Menon's Ennai Noki Paayum Thotta (ENPT). And then, nothing. Rajinikanth's Petta, which released last month, was her official debut in Tamil and you could say it opened the floodgates. STR's Vantha Rajavathaan Varuven followed, and next up, there is a film with Atharvaa (Boomerang). “I would have five of my films releasing in the first half of 2019,” she promises. She is also a hardcore CSKian and adores MS Dhoni. In a quick chat, she tells us why...

Your social media posts reveal that you're a big fan of Chennai Super Kings. Chances of bumping into you at Chepauk stadium during IPL?

Highly likely, if I'm in Chennai and I have no shoots scheduled.

Your biggest fan girl moment: with Thala Dhoni or Thalaivar Rajini?

Dhoni! I just love this man and I don't know the reason. Perhaps, because I've watched him grow into a proper hero for millions of cricket fans. To me, Dhoni is God.

Busy Bee: Megha Akash has five big releases lined up this year, including her Bollywood debut feature   | Photo Credit: Mobin Kurien

Tell us about your Bollywood film.

Satellite Shankar (with Sooraj Pancholi) will be my Bollywood debut. I’m happy with the variety of roles I get to play. In VRV, I was required to do comedy. In ENPT, Gautham brought out these intense, extreme emotions in me. In Boomerang, I play a laid-back person and in Satellite Shankar, my character is a very innocent girl.

Are you quietly taking pointers from how other actors have planned their careers in Tamil cinema?

I admire Nayanthara and Trisha. I love the roles they've done and more importantly, for how long they've sustained their careers. I think their longevity is because they didn't stick to one type of cinema, be it commercial or art house.

You have had Gautham Menon, Sundar C and Karthik Subbaraj as directors. Who else is on your wish list?

Mani Ratnam.

I just love Dhoni. I've watched him grow into a proper hero. To me, Dhoni is God! -- Megha Akash

You love Paulo Coelho’s work. Other favourites?

Game of Thrones. And I watch Friends on loop! Among original content on streaming platforms, I love Riverdale and Stranger Things.

So who is the real Megha Akash?

I think I'm an okay singer. Before I started films, I was a copywriter. I would love to write something more than an advertising copy someday. Also, I’d love to learn screenplay writing.