Chennai, June 10 (IANS) Tamil actress Priyamani was Tuesday thrilled at getting the National Best Actress Award for her role in Tamil film 'Paruthi Veeran', and credited director Ameer Sulthan and the team of technicians for creating her role.

'I never expected an award - leave alone a national one. All credit goes to director Ameer for his faith and the technicians who etched my role despite it being totally deglamourised. The entire team deserves ample praise,' Priyamani told IANS.

'The movie was a big difference from what I normally do in Telugu films. And the change indeed worked wonders,' the actress added.

Priyamani played the female lead in the movie that was the debut vehicle of Karthi, son of Tamil thespian Shiva Kumar.

Known for her glamorous roles till now, Priyamani was featured in the offbeat venture as a rustic belle, sans make-up.

The stark, striking images or rural life depicted with utmost realism made the movie a commercial success.

A native of Palakkad district in Kerala, the actress was educated in Bangalore before taking up a career in modelling.

After her debut film, Bharati Raja's 'Kangalaal Kaithu Sei' (2004), sank without a trace Priyamani switched to Telugu films and appeared in skimpy costumes.

Her forthcoming ventures include 'Malaikkottai' (Tamil) opposite Vishal.

Priyamani is also rumoured to have signed a Mani Ratnam movie.