Shraddha Das takes inspiration from JLo, Beyonce for 'Rey'

In what is supposed to be the most challenging role of her career, actor Shraddha Das says international artists like Jennifer Lopez, Beyonce Knowles and Rihanna are her sources of inspiration for her part as a pop star in upcoming Telugu musical 'Rey'.

"I've already spent close to one and a half years on this challenging project. I play an ambitious, very independent Mexican-American pop star in the film who doesn't like anyone to come in her path to success.

"Even though my director personally showed me a dozen music videos for reference, I took inspiration from singers such as JLo, Beyonce and Rihanna, among many more," Shraddha told IANS.

Describing her character further, she said, "Eccentric would be the perfect word to describe my character."

"I portray multiple shades and I feel this will most definitely remain my best role ever. The look I wear is also very crazy in a way as it reflects what most pop stars wear. Be it hundreds of costumes or the small things I wear on my body, they are all part of the look," she added.

In the film, she is paired opposite debutants Sai Dharam Teja and Saiyami Kher. Y V S Chowdary is directing and producing the film, which is nearing completion.

"The story revolves around a music competition in the US, where the best of the world's top pop stars compete. I happen to be the champion until the hero and his band arrive and steal the show. What happens next forms the rest of the story," she said.

Shraddha didn't mind spending so much time on the project.

"I feel I will miss the time spent on this project. All of us were so engrossed in the project that I feel I will miss working together once we complete this project. I was literally spoon-fed by my director, who took special interest in grooming me for the role. I'm sure I won't get such an exciting role again my career," she added.

Shot predominantly in places such as the US, the West Indies, Bangkok and Hyderabad, "Rey" is getting ready for a May release.

The film has music by Chakri and also features Shubra Aiyappa, Tanikella Bharani, Brahmanandam, Jayaprakash Reddy and M.S. Narayana in important roles.