Divyansha Kaushik of 'Majili' fame awaits the theatrical release of 'Ramarao On Duty' on July 29. In this interview, the actress says that she enjoyed playing a housewife in the movie. The actress reveals what she did during the pandemic, what her upcoming projects are, and more.
There was a time when I wanted to become a fashion journalist. Acting happened to me in an unexpected way.
The gap between my first and second Telugu film is because of the pandemic. And I have also been working on myself and my skills, learning dancing and language! I found myself a bit fatty in 'Majili'. I had to be at home for about 2 years. I happened to post a pic of myself on Instagram, something that attracted the attention of the director of 'Ramarao On Duty' and that's how I bagged the movie.
I have always been a big fan of Ravi Teja ever since I watched his 'Vikramarkudu'. I also liked my character Nandini in 'Ramarao On Duty'. She is a housewife and a caring woman. I am a mother, a wife, and I take care of the house. It is different from what I have played in the past.
In 'Majii', I played a young girl who is into teen romance. In 'Ramarao On Duty', the subject matter is serious. Since the story is set in the 1990s, I am seen wearing traditional dresses, especially saree, in the film. There is more to my character, of course, in terms of plotting.
I workshopped for 1.5 months before the shoot began. I worked with my director and throughout the phase, I discussed everything about my character with the director. I got my doubts clarified. He made his expectations of me clear.
Ravi Teja garu is very senior to me. I was nervous initially. He would give me life advice and ask me not to subject myself to stress. He makes everyone feel comfortable on set. He is accessible and humble. He is very popular across India (thanks to Hindi-dubbed movies of Telugu movies).
I and Rajisha Vijayan have scenes between us. She has played the hero's college-time girlfriend. She is the hero's Ex and I am his wife... So, there is some scope for entertainment when all three of us share the screen space.
It is easier to do a bubbly girl's role, but I have enjoyed playing a housewife in this film more. There is something new that I can do every day. I enjoyed working on my reactions, etc.
I don't have to mug up my lines in Telugu. I understand the language to an extent. I haven't dubbed my voice for this film. There is another film titled 'Michael' (starring Sundeep Kishan in the lead) that I am doing in Telugu and I am dubbing for that. Unlike 'Ramarao..', which is a period film, 'Michael' is a contemporary movie.
I am a director's actress. The director guides everyone and it is his vision that we have to bring to life. Sarath Mandava is sure about what he wants. He knows what he wants. He is confident and clear-minded. That helps the actor and director to work together with trustworthiness.
Production was taken care of really well, be it in foreign locations, domestic locations or sets at Ramoji Film City. I personally love working here in Hyderabad. People here love you so much. There is punctuality and things are more focused and professional here.
I am not doing digital content as of now, although I would love to do web series. I am doing a film under the direction of Sudheer Varma and Nikhil Siddhartha is its hero. It will be released in September or so. Pan-India flick 'Michael' stars Sundeep Kishan, Vijay Sethupathi and others. It's my dream to act in a biopic, be it sports, action or some other genre.
