Today, we bring you an exclusive interview with actress Dakkshi Guttikonda, RGV’s new heroine. Her film, Coronavirus is all set for a release soon. In a detailed conversation, the Telugu girl speaks about her struggle, getting an RGV film, doing web series, and her career in Tollywood. Here is the transcript.
Coronavirus is a big film for you. Are you nervous?
No, not at all. I feel quite happy and lucky that I got to act in RGV sir’s direction at such a young age. The film is made on a very sensitive topic and I have a very good role. This film will give me new avenues in the industry and I am am excited to see how people are going to react to me.
This film was done in proper lockdown mode. How difficult was it to shoot?
It was not at all difficult for us as precautions were taken and everyone on the sets was tested for COVID. I shot for ten days for my role and proper social distancing was maintained on the sets. The cases were not that rampant like now and we shot the film quickly and not many even knew about it at all.
How did you get this offer?
After getting my portfolio done, I was going to several auditions and also got rejected. So, I used to put some motivational posts along with my pictures on FB. Director Shekhar Suri saw them and called me to my office and offered me a web series. The shoot is over and I also did a village-based drama and then the Corona effect started. As I knew the writer of Coronavirus, Kalyan, for a long time, he took me to the RGV compound where I was auditioned and signed for the role.
Working experience with RGV?
It is a dream come true for any actress to work with him. I was not sure whether to work with him or not as many scared me about him and the films he is making these days. But nothing of sort happened as RGV is a thorough gentleman and professional who does not cross the line and makes you feel comfortable. I only knew about my role only after going on the sets and RGV helped me understand the dynamics nicely. He used to make me do my homework for many of my scenes and I learned a lot from him.
Tell us about your background?
I was born in Vijayawada and was brought up in Bangalore and Hyderabad. I always loved films but there was no one in my family who had any connections in films. After my intermediate, I did fashion designing, and sometimes, we ourselves do modeling for our designs. This is when I started getting offers for Ads and I decided to pursue modeling. I also got movie offers, but I was not comfortable. But later, I decided to take the plunge and convinced my parents. I also took a course at the Stayanand coaching institute and also learned Kathak.
What is your expectation from this film?
I have good talent and looks but one needs luck to also get noticed. Post doing the web series for Shekhar Suri, I got so many offers for doing bold content which I had to reject as they were highlighting only that aspect. When I got an RGV film, I felt that this is the right time to get noticed. I know the film will make me noticed and my real journey will start once this film releases.
Being a Telugu girl, how difficult was it to get films?
It was a bit difficult and I had my rejections. Many would not know that I am a Telugu girl in the first place. Our industry looks down on Telugu girls as they want heroines only from Mumbai. I feel that unless we get chances, how can prove that even Telugu girls can act, look hot and do all sorts of roles.
Do you mean to say you are open to doing bold roles?
Yes, if the role demands why not. But there are restrictions and just for the sake of it, there is no need for skin show. The role should demand it and I am here to do all sorts of roles. You will see a new me in Coronavirus as my role is very simple and non-glamorous.
Finally, about Coronavirus?
The film is a complete family drama that everyone can watch. It has two-hour runtime and the emotions are very strong. It showcases how in today’s Corona times, relations start changing because of the scare of the virus. The ending is going to be quite emotional.
With that, we ended our conversation with Dakkshi and wished her the best of luck in her career.
Interviewed by Avad