“I had a troubled childhood. My mother passed away when I was less than six months old. I spent little time with my aunt, and a few months with my father. While my aunt was caring and loving, my father remarried and his love towards me faded away gradually. He had his children and they went to a well known private school, whereas I was sent to a government institution. I did my schooling in bits and pieces because I didn’t have a supportive father. He never liked it when I lived with my aunt too. Every time I ran away to their house, he would hurt me because he was upset. I skipped class 9 and somehow managed to pass class 10.

The time when Samba movie was set to release, they were promoting it by offering scholarships to a few students. I sold my anklet, took a bus and came to Hyderabad alone. I was ready to do anything to be able to study. I remember spending a week at NTR Bhavan, hoping I would get to meet Chandrababu Naidu. By then, the people there recognized me and had offered me a job in one of the shows of Gemini channel. I met Naidu garu and he promised to help me with my problems and finances. But I didn’t want to take up a job without studying. So, I went back to my native, Kadiri, and joined a college. Unfortunately, that didn’t go well either due to family and financial issues.

I felt like a football – everybody was constantly trying to kick and pass me on to the next person. I was in the hospital for a few days after I tried committing suicide. After which, I properly shifted to Hyderabad. I studied here and also worked at a call centre to pay my bills. Around the same time, I got a better job with a TV channel and started anchoring. I also auditioned for a couple of films and played supporting characters. I got married in 2009 and life was getting better. In a couple of years, I gave birth to two kids.
Today, I am an established fashion designer working with celebrity clients. I’ve learnt to juggle personal and professional life and I’m proud of it. I feel like my mother guided me throughout, making sure I chose the right path. It’s been a struggle but when I look at where I am, I feel content. That’s all that matters.”

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