Ashwini Chanderasekar, shares her passion for acting, her upcoming films and more in this candid conversation

1. Did you want to become an actor since your childhood days?
It was not on my list at all. My family has a few doctors, so I wanted to be one as well. However, I ended up becoming an artist. I studied architecture and have my own firm. However, after getting into movies, I chose to become an artist. My background is in classical dance and I started my career as a model.

2. When did you decide that you want to become an actor?
I’m basically a Tulu girl. After coming to the industry and seeing myself in a couple of movies, I decided to take this up professionally. Till that time I was not sure about taking it as my profession. With God’s grace I have been getting back to back projects. My debut project was in Malayalam and Tamil. After that I got projects from the Kannada film industry and one in Telugu. I have been blessed to get a comfortable team to work with and have been getting a lot of compliments saying that I’m perfect for the role and carried it well. These compliments and confidence from the industry made me decide on taking this up as a full time profession.

3. What do you like the most about acting?
I actually enjoy experiencing new things. When a movie has a marriage scene, I get involved completely and so is the case with any other scene. I give myself to the role completely. Acting gives you the opportunity to learn new things with full freedom, and that’s why I enjoy it so much.

4. What are your other passions besides acting?
Other than acting, I like to paint, do farming, travel, and read.

5. What attracted you to become an actor?
Maybe it’s the fame, the limelight. Suddenly, in one night, I became famous for being Miss Karnataka. I was everywhere. I was seen differently by the same college friends and people I saw and met every day. My words or actions started motivating people and that was one of the main reasons to get into this field. Who doesn’t like limelight.

6. Which role of yours did you like the most?
I really liked my roles as Jiivi as Kavitha, Marakadhakaadu as Malli, and Taanu, a schoolgirl character that I played in my Kannada movie.

7. How is your experience working in the industry so far?
With God’s grace, everything is going well. It’s just the beginning of my career and I still have a long way to go. I must be patient as I reach new heights in this industry.

8. How does it feel to be a star on the rise?
It’s obviously a pleasant feeling. However, managing the whole thing is a little challenging. We have to be more careful when we rush into things, since people will be watching us. Although we don’t know how long it will last, we should enjoy the limelight while we have it.

9. Every industry, including the entertainment industry, is full of competition; what do you do to stand out amidst competition?
Every field is competitive. However, what we choose determines who we are. Also, how we present ourselves. We reap what we sow. It all comes down to our choices, and what we choose determines where we stand.

10. The entertainment industry is said to be full of stress and pressure; what do you do to tackle the pressure that comes with your work?
I relieve all my work-related stress through my dance class, travel and yoga.

11. What is the first thing you do to research and approach a role?
As a first step, I’ll check whether I’m doing the right work. It’s always my homework when it comes to my character in any movie. In what ways can I improve myself for the role and how can I live the character. Dedicated work and homework are the two most important things I follow.

12. How do you select the films you act in?
I listen to scripts and watch movies. Even if I do not know the language, I watch movies which correspond to that. At the beginning, I was unable to analyze scripts to select them, as some people know the content but don’t know how to explain it. Some people are good at narrating stories. It is imperative to make wise choices before you sign up any film.

13. Describe your most challenging role so far.
Marakadhakaaadu as Malli was one of the most challenging roles I have ever done in my career. I got locked into this project for two years at the beginning of my career. The producer passed away in the covid period. Once it comes out, I’m sure I will make a mark in career again.

14. Where do you see your career in five years as an actor?
I will make a mark as a business woman and an industrialist for sure.

15. What is your strength as an actor?
My strength as an actor is that I’m from a theatrical background and a classical dancer.

16. How do you rehearse a scene if the other actors you need to interact within the scene are not available?
Mirror and Camera are the best to interact with.

17. How do you think success has changed your life?
I’m from a family background where they give utmost importance to education. My parents are in the government sector. My siblings are PHD holders. Since my childhood I wanted to do something different from others. My dad wasn’t supportive in the beginning. But, now they’re confident that I’m doing something that they can be proud of. Earlier I was recognised by my dad’s name, but now people recognise me with my name and I’m very proud of that.