When you stood on the international stage representing India, did you already imagine cinema as your next chapter? How was the journey from being a dentist to a beauty pageant winner and then a successful actress?
I didn’t plan on entering the film industry after winning Miss India and then winning the international pageant. I was however open to receiving whatever came my way after pageantry. I took it all with open arms. I’m glad I did that as I could explore many fields like modelling, fashion and then entering into acting. It has all helped me understand myself a lot better and today I cannot think of doing any other job.

Panchkula to Chennai and then Hyderabad… how has geography influenced your journey? Tell us something about each of these cities that have shaped you as a person?
Every city that I’ve grown up in has had a big role in forming who I am. My ideologies have conditioned me in a certain way that I think. Even though I was born in Panchkula, I was travelling all over the country, because my dad was in the armed forces. So, it’s not just these cities, but every city and every culture from every state that we were posted in has shaped what I’ve become today. It has helped me built my individuality. Even though, my major values stemmed from Panchkula where my parents were from, but Chennai and Hyderabad have shaped me who I’m supposed to be, because that’s when I came out of my house, from the shadows of my family and made decisions for myself. I fought for myself, made mistakes and learnt from each of them.

You trained as a dentist before stepping into pageantry and films. How does that discipline from your early years still shape the way you approach creativity and performance?
Discipline in the field of arts is very helpful. It always fastens the whole process. Motivation comes and goes; there are good days and bad days. One can’t rely on the outside sources and that’s where self-discipline comes handy. Everything is so unpredictable. One may put in their 100% but may not still get the same results. So, discipline really helps to stay grounded and keep going at it, no matter what. It is the biggest secret to success in any field of creativity.

You shuttle between languages and industries. Do you ever feel like a cultural chameleon, or do you carry one core identity across all spaces? Tell us more about your experience in the Tamil industry that you’ve worked in? Also, please recall some moments from Kolai, Singapore Saloon and also Lucky Bhaskar and any fun moments with your co-stars from those films?
I’m very flexible. Being flexible has always worked in my favour. I’m a medical student who did her BDS, who became a Miss India and then did modelling and acting. These are two unrelated fields. I never tried to box myself in only one field. I wanted to explore whatever I could. For me it was easy to juggle. So, it’s the same case with the languages. I easily switch from one language to the other. It comes naturally to me.
Working in the Tamil industry has been a delight. I’m so grateful to have met some of the best people at the early stages of my work space. Kolai was my first film in the Tamil industry that helped me gain so much confidence as an actor. Singapore Salon and Lucky Bhaskar were very special too. Lucky Bhaskar will always be very special for me. I played Sumathi, a middle-class mom who has a lot of depth and emotions. It will be one of my favourite films. I also won many awards for this film – Best Actor Leading Award at the 2025 SIIMA awards and the GAMA Best Actor Female Award, besides other awards for my role in this film.
The best part about all my costars is that they have all been heartwarming, down to earth and very humble, so every day on the sets has been fun.

Your film Vrushakarma (formerly known as NC24) with superstar Naga Chaitanya is up for release. Tell us everything about your role in it and your experience and any interesting incident during the shoot?
Vrushakarma will be releasing sometime end of this year. It is a fantasy, mystical thriller. I play the role of Daksha, who is an archaeologist who works alongside Naga Chaitanya (playing Arjun) to uncover mysteries in this treasure-hunting, action-oriented, and mystical storyline. The genre of this film is new to me and so is the making of it very new, as it relies heavily on VFX, CGI and green screen technology. There were times when we had to act in an imaginary space which was very new and exciting for me. As an actor, I’ve learnt such amazing things on this set that I’m really looking forward to the story to come out which is written by art director Karthik Dandu, who makes a unique blend of history and mythology. Only once you see it, you’ll believe it how beautiful it’s going to be.

You’ve become a Sankranthi regular with three consecutive festival releases. Was this a coincidence, strategy, or destiny?
I’m grateful to have a film being released every Sankranthi continuously for the last three years. Every actor would love that. It was a mere coincidence. When I had signed these films, I didn’t know when they would be releasing. The only film that I knew will be releasing on Sankranthi was Sankranthiki Vasthunam as it was planned for it. The whole idea was that it was a festival film. I feel it’s a beautiful time to celebrate cinema in all the south Indian states.

In Anaganaga Oka Raju, you play Charulatha, a pampered “daddy’s princess.” How did you find the balance between satire and sincerity in that role?
When I got the offer to sign up Anaganaga Oka Raju and got to know that I will be playing the character of Charulatha, I was totally stoked as it was a beautiful combination of satire and sincerity in one. I had not done a role like that and had not entered the comic space till then. The director gave me that opportunity to break through this challenge. Charulatha had so much depth and proper comic timing. The entire film has Raju and Charulatha who pull the whole script. To be able to go through their journey as they go through it has been such a fun ride. I always had this fun side of me that only my friends and family had seen, but through Charulatha all my fans got to see it. Even I have become more open as an actress after that.

Telugu and Tamil cinema often demand larger-than-life presence. How do you keep your performances grounded in authenticity while still delivering that scale?
The beauty of Tamil and Telugu cinema is that even though they’re larger than life and the experience is so big, it’s still so rooted and so authentic. The core of it is simple and that’s what makes it stand apart from every other cinema…Malayalam cinema included. I am lucky that I get to be here and all of it comes to me so organically and real is because the whole idea is to keep it simple and not complicated. The entire canvas is larger than life that what makes it real is that the performances are organic and not forced. So, it becomes a beautiful amalgamation of big and real and that is what I love about Tamil and Telugu cinema.

You’ve worked with directors like Trivikram Srinivas and Anil Ravipudi. What’s the most unexpected tips or direction you’ve received on set that changed your approach?
I have had the opportunity to work with directors like Trivikram Srinivas and Anil Ravipudi sir so early in my career. Both their films have taught me a lot as an actor. Seeing them work on an everyday basis and seeing how they function is a learning in itself. Every minute detail is so well taken care of. Trivikram is always trying to improve and improvise till the last minute and is always trying to see how he can keep adding his bit of perfection. What is beautiful about Anil Ravipudi sir is that he is a master in execution. We finished the film on the exact day it was supposed to get completed. That requires a lot of prep and clarity. He is where is because of the depth and clarity that he has and his delivery time is extraordinary.

Do you consciously choose scripts that stretch your range, or do you let instinct guide you toward roles that “feel right”?
I don’t really have a conscious space. As an actor I try and explore various genres and something that comes out of the box. With art one can’t really plan it all when it comes to picking roles. We just have to pick the best out of what comes to us. I pick what resonates with me, scares me a little, excites me and is something new. I want to keep learning and exploring my craft.

You’ve been called graceful and glamorous, but what’s the one adjective you wish critics would use more often for your work?
I don’t really think much about it, but if there were to be word then I would want it to be reliable, no matter what roles I play or what genre they may be.

How do you navigate the dual identity of being both a beauty queen and a serious actor? Do you feel audiences still box you into one or the other?
I’m happy that my fans have not stereotyped me. I don’t like to put myself in a box. That’s why I’m able to flow into different characters and not limit myself to one type of role. Beauty pageant was a part of my life, not my entire life. At the same time, acting is a part of it and not the entire life. I don’t know what roles I’ll play in the future. I take it as it comes. It’s my job so I don’t try and mix both work and pleasure. I don’t like to label myself. I’m still a work in progress and will keep working on what I truly am.

How do you draw a fine balance between personal and professional life?
I always try and maintain a balance. I keep it simple. I give my 100% when it comes to my professional life, but at the same time I also give my 100% to my personal space. It’s important to respect both aspects as both help you grow as a person. One has to cut off sometimes and if your job consumes your entire life then you’re not doing justice to the life that’s been given to you. Giving time to yourself and your family is equally important. What’s the point of living when you can’t spend it with the people you love. I’m very conscious and maintain a balance…always. It’s tough but it’s totally worth it.

Fame often magnifies expectations. How do you protect the quieter, private parts of yourself amidst the spotlight?
Fame and success magnify who you truly are. I’ve become more of the person that I’ve always been. I’m a quiet person but at the same time I can be outgoing if I have to be. I’ve had no issues juggling between the two parts of my life because we all have that. It comes as part and parcel of the job. Every job has its plus and minuses; one has to filter and see what works. It’s your life, you make your own rules. I go with the flow.

If you could design your dream role, one that hasn’t been offered yet, what would it look like?
To play a superhero, something that hasn’t been done by anyone yet.

Do you see yourself venturing into Hindi cinema again, or is South Indian cinema where you feel most at home right now? Any Tamil film offers coming your way?
If that was the case, I would have done movies only in Hindi, as that’s the language, I’ve grown up speaking or maybe Punjabi. But the matter of fact is that I don’t pick work based on the language I speak. It is always based on the stories and the character I’m playing. It could be any language as long as it’s fun and exciting. There’s a lot of work I’m doing this year – in Tamil, Telugu and in Hindi as well, so I’m going to be playing a lot of interesting characters. The scripts are also very insightful. Once the production houses allow, we can talk about the specific projects, but yes 2026 will see quite a few of my new films.

In South Indian cinema, female leads are increasingly carrying films on their shoulders. Do you feel a shift in how women’s stories are being told, and where do you want to position yourself in that change?
I’m so grateful that I’ve entered the phase in south Indian cinema where women led films are being received well. Also, people are trying to mount those films and its truly commendable and long time coming. I’m glad I’m a part of the new age cinema where women have solid character roles.

What’s one change you’d like to see in the film industry that would make it more empowering for women?
I would love to see more equality. Its already started and things are improving. Its slow and steady but it’s happening. It’s a beautiful time to be in that space right now.

RAPID FIRE
1.Beach or Mountain? Mountain.
2.Coffee or Chai? Tea.
3.Morning or Night person? Morning.
4.Western or Indian wear? Indian.
5.Dance numbers or Emotional scenes? Emotional.
6.Your favourite cuisine / dish? Rajma Chawal.
7.Road trip or Luxury staycation? Both.
8.Comedy or Thriller? Both.
9.Red carpet heels or Sneakers on set? Sneakers.
10.One word for love: Forever or Fleeting? Forever fleeting.
11.Charulatha (princess) or Rebel? Both.
12.Fav holiday destination? Japan.
13.Dream director? SS Rajamouli Sir.