Born in Chennai, Lakshmi Manchu is a name to reckon with in the Tollywood industry. Daughter of the legendary Tollywood actor and producer Mohan Babu and Vidya Devi, Lakshmi’s cinematic lineage exposed her to the world of entertainment in her early days…as early as the tender age of four to be precise.

She’s not just a stunner in front of the camera. Her expertise extends beyond her acting prowess; as the co-owner of Sree Lakshmi Prasanna Pictures, a production company with a legacy steeped in cinematic excellence. With nearly 40 feature films to her credit, the gorgeous star has a promising future in the industry.

Her versatility and international appeal saw her making a debut in the American series Las Vegas in 2003. Breaking barriers, she has not only made a significant impact on the Telugu Film Industry but has also left an indelible mark in Tamil, Malayalam, and Kannada cinema. The award-winning actress continues to have a captivating presence. Currently, she seamlessly navigates between the vibrant hubs of Hyderabad and Mumbai. Her ability to straddle Tollywood and Bollywood reflects not only her versatility but also her commitment to delivering top-notch performances.

What inspired you to enter the entertainment industry, and how did your journey begin?
Growing up in a family deeply rooted in the entertainment industry, I was always surrounded by the magic of cinema and storytelling. My father, Mohan Babu, has been a significant influence, and I was inspired by his dedication and passion. My journey began with a strong desire to create and perform, leading me to study theater in the United States before making my mark in the Indian entertainment industry.

Who have been your biggest influences and also share some of the biggest highpoints in your career so far?
My father, Mohan Babu, has been my greatest influence. His work ethic and passion for cinema have always inspired me. High points in my career include my debut film The Ode in Hollywood, my performance in Gundello Godari, which earned critical acclaim, and my venture into production with shows like Lakshmi Talk Show.

What were some of the significant challenges you faced in the industry, and how did you overcome them?
Navigating the entertainment industry comes with its set of challenges, especially breaking stereotypes and establishing oneself in various roles. Overcoming these challenges required resilience, continuous learning, and the courage to take risks. Support from my family and my belief in hard work helped me through the tough times.

What do you consider your most significant professional achievement to date?
My most significant professional achievement is my versatility in the industry. From acting to producing and hosting, I have had the opportunity to explore and excel in different facets of entertainment. Producing Memu Saitham, a show aimed at helping those in need, has been particularly fulfilling.

How do you prepare for a role, and what has been the most challenging character you’ve portrayed?
Preparing for a role involves in-depth research, understanding the character’s background, and sometimes physical transformation. The most challenging character I’ve portrayed was in Gundello Godari, where I had to depict a range of emotions and a complex narrative, pushing me to explore new dimensions of my acting skills.

What made you decide to venture into production, and how does it differ from acting?
Venturing into production allowed me to be a part of the creative process from a different perspective. It differs from acting as it involves overseeing the entire project, from conception to execution, and ensuring that the vision comes to life. It’s challenging but equally rewarding.

Which project has been your favorite so far and why?
Gundello Godari remains a favourite due to its unique storyline and the depth of my character. The film’s narrative and the experience of working on such a meaningful project made it very special.

How do you think the Indian entertainment industry has evolved over the years?
The Indian entertainment industry has seen significant evolution, with more diverse storytelling, advanced technology and a greater focus on content-driven cinema. There’s also a notable shift towards creating more opportunities for women and new talent.

What changes would you like to see for women in the industry?
I would like to see more women in leadership roles, whether in direction, production or scripting. It’s essential to have more female-driven stories and characters that break traditional molds, offering a more balanced representation.

How do you manage to balance your professional and personal life?
Balancing professional and personal life is about prioritising and time management. It’s crucial to take breaks, spend quality time with family, and engage in activities that rejuvenate the mind and body.

What are some of your hobbies and interests outside of the entertainment industry?
Outside of work, I enjoy reading, traveling, and engaging in philanthropic activities. I also love spending time with my family and exploring new cultures and cuisines.

Tell us about your role in Yakshini?
In Yakshini, I play a complex character with shades of negativity. It’s a challenging role that required me to delve into a darker side and bring out the intricacies of the character’s motivations and emotions.

How did you prepare yourself for a negative role?
Preparing for a negative role involves understanding the character’s psyche and motivations. I studied various real-life and fictional characters with similar traits, practiced different expressions, and worked closely with the director to ensure authenticity.

How was the bonding on the sets with your other co-stars? Any memorable incident from the shoot you’d like to recall?
The bonding on set was fantastic. Working with a talented and supportive cast made the experience enjoyable. One memorable incident was a late-night shoot where we all ended up playing games and sharing stories, creating a lasting camaraderie.

Are there any specific roles or genres you would like to explore in the future?
I am always eager to explore new genres and roles. I would love to try my hand at a historical drama or a sci-fi film. Roles that challenge me and push me out of my comfort zone are always exciting.

RAPID FIRE
Your first love?
Aamir Khan.

Dream director?
Quentin Tarantino. He should remake Kill Bil with me.

Favourite actor and actress?
Ranveer Singh and Vidya Balan.

Your pet peeve?
Hypocrisy.

Some essentials that are always in your bag?
Lip balm, lipstick, phone, wet wipes and pen.

Yoga or gym?
Yoga.

Indian food or global cuisine?
Full desi khana.

Closest friends from the industry or outside?
I have lots and lots of friends.

Beaches or hills?
Beaches.

Veg or non-veg?
Non-veg.

Fame or money?
Money no fame no money gosh, I can’t make up my mind.

Straight hair or curls?
Loving my natural curls now living in Mumbai.

The last good web series you watched?
Another self it is a Turkish series on Netflix must watch for everybody.

A movie you’d recommend?
12th Fail.

First thing you notice about a person?
Their energy.

One thing that makes you feel beautiful?
My laughter.

Politics, religion, business, sports or entertainment?
Entertainment, entertainment.

Your most treasured childhood memory?
Going to the farm with my family and cooking in clay pots.

What does social media mean to you?
Such a waste of time.

How would you define love?
Is the feeling you get of calmness and warmth

What’s your idea of a perfect date?
Dinner and movie.

Your favourite travel destination?
Los Angeles.