“I come from a family where storytelling was everyday life. My parents performed veedi bhagothalu, living their art rather than just acting.

Growing up near Medak, I was drawn to drawing, painting, and later Telangana Dhoom Dham programs. Life, art, and community were inseparable.

After my 10th grade, photography entered my life through a friend. Assisting him taught me patience over technique. A turning point came at MC Shekhar’s workshop, where my raw approach was appreciated. In 2012, I moved to Hyderabad, continued wedding photography, and later joined Sri Venkateshwara Fine Arts College.

Travel transformed my perspective. Exploring tribal cultures across Chhattisgarh, Odisha, Jharkhand, Meghalaya, and the Telugu states showed me that humans belong to nature, deeply inspiring my photography.

Cinema followed naturally. Meeting Tollywood cinematographers taught me framing and focus. After workshops and auditions, Dorasani became my acting debut, followed by Virata Parvam, Mail (where I also assisted in direction), Shivarapalli and Hangman(2026). I’ve worked on several films and web series, assisted as cameraman in four films, and in 2019 received the Best Cinematography award for The Last Chapter.

Acting keeps me busy, but photography never leaves me. Whenever I can, I take my camera and walk—exploring characters, gestures, silences, and the essence of life. I study films, dialogues, and slang to prepare and own my characters.

Nature and human stories continue to guide me. I try to honour the environment, minimize plastic, and tell meaningful stories. I am still learning, traveling, and growing through images and films. Every frame reminds me: if you watch closely, life will show you how to see, feel, and understand the world.”

• Sunny Palle