“I grew up in Hyderabad in a South Indian family where education was always a priority. From a young age, I was involved in school events and cultural programs. Performing on stage felt natural to me, but like many, I followed a practical path and chose to study engineering. At the time, it seemed like the right choice, but I always had bigger dreams in the back of my mind.
During college, I started to realize that my true passion was in films and storytelling. While balancing the demands of engineering, I found myself more and more interested in cinema. Watching movies from around the world showed me just how vast and creative the world of films could be. By the time I graduated as an Electronics and Communication engineer, I knew I wanted to pursue acting and storytelling.
In 2020, I decided to focus entirely on acting. I started my acting journey with training at Nibha Theatre in Hyderabad under Nasreen Ma’am. Later, I moved to Puducherry to study at Adi Shakti Laboratory for Theatre Art Research where I focused on the fundamentals of acting. From there, I continued learning from mentors like Prasana Hegadu in Mysuru and Venu Ji, a Koodiyattam artist in Kerala. These experiences gave me the solid foundation I needed for my acting career.
Traveling became an important part of my journey, too. Whether it was for workshops or just exploring new places, travel gave me a broader perspective on life and storytelling, which I believe enriched both my personal growth and my craft.
Transitioning from theatre to film felt natural to me. My experience on stage gave me the confidence to adapt to the world of film acting. In late 2020, I debuted in the film Stand Up Rahul. The experience of working in films opened up so many opportunities to learn, collaborate with talented professionals, and challenge myself creatively.
Before I fully focused on acting, I worked as an IT engineer at Amazon. But during the pandemic, I decided to leave my job and focus completely on acting. To understand filmmaking better, I worked as an Assistant Director on Thulasi Vanam while continuing to pursue acting.
I’ve kept a disciplined routine to constantly improve my craft, which includes stretching, breath exercises, voice training, and swimming to improve my flexibility and breath control. I also stay engaged with cinema daily, watching films and interviews with actors to keep learning and staying inspired.
I’ve always admired Irrfan Khan. His performance in Qarib Qarib Singlle had a strong influence on me. The way his career in the film industry transitioned between commercial, independent, and international cinema, all while staying true to his craft, motivates me. His ability to bring depth and honesty to every role, no matter the size, is something I aspire to.
Since then, I’ve worked on several exciting projects. This year, I played my first lead role in a Telugu film directed by a female filmmaker about two girls who discover a box of gold. I also played dual roles in You and I, my debut as a lead in digital content. Other projects include
Dheera, an independent film, and Sea of Love, a short film. Earlier, I took on important characters in Dhoota, Stand Up Rahul, and Modern Love: Hyderabad.
My family has been my biggest support throughout this journey. My mother, who loves films, often gives me valuable feedback on my performances, which helps me improve. My father, who works as a chief procurement officer, offers practical advice on managing my career and finances, helping me stay grounded and aware in this unpredictable industry.
The film industry definitely has its challenges-especially with beauty standards and gender biases. I’ve been fortunate to work with filmmakers who see the real potential in an actor.
To maintain balance, I engage in performing arts like Kuchipudi and theatre, and I also enjoy painting and travelling. These activities help me stay grounded and bring something personal into my work.
For anyone aspiring to act, my advice would be to keep training, better your craft every time, trust your instincts, and don’t hesitate to seek opportunities. It’s not an easy path, but with persistence and authenticity, you’ll find your way.”