Continuing the lockdown interview series, today, we bring you an exclusive interview with the beautiful and talented Telugu actress Chandni Chowdary. In a heartful and detailed conversation, Chandni reveals about her career graph, future plans, offers in the industry, and much more. Here is the transcript.
What films were you doing when the lockdown was imposed?
A week before the lockdown I had Chicken Pox and because of that, I had to go into quarantine my self. Since then, I have been resting at home as I was very weak. I was shooting for Color Photo with Suhas.
Why don’t we see you much in Tollywood circles?
That’s because I am not based in Hyderabad. I live in Vizag with my parents and as I am the only child, I need to take care of them myself. From the beginning of my career, it has been like that and I am not that kind of a person who goes all out in the first place.
Though Manu did not work, you won good acclaim for your work?
I give most of the credit to my director. The way he narrated me the story, my role was so much in detail and I also got a lot of scope to perform. I literally worked for two months on my role by having a special book about my role which helped me perform the way I did.
Was doing an OTT show because of the lack of offers?
Nothing like that. OTT is the in thing right now and in the years to come, everyone will be on it. When I got this offer for Gods of Dharmapuri, many told that film offers will go down but that did not happen as I have good films in my hand.
It’s been five years since you have started. Do you feel that you have made it?
I am slowly getting there. I am this girl from Vizag who wanted to do things on my own. I have not taken any short cuts to fame in the industry and have come up on my own. Wherever I am today, it is because of my hard work and dedication towards it.
Did you always want to become a heroine?
I started doing mimicry and used to watch a lot of films. I loved Rjanikanth’s acting when I was small and told my goal to my mom one fine day. Like every parent, they asked me to finish my engineering first. Then I did short films, started getting noticed, and finally entered the film industry. Acting is my first love and I am slowly getting better with each film.
Who is your favorite actor in Tollywood?
I had a huge crush in Shahid Kapoor and Hrithik Roshan. But my all-time favorite is Jr. NTR garu. He is super talented and moreover a superb human being. After seeing Bigg Boss I became a bigger fan of the person. I would love to work with him someday.
Do you feel that a talented and good looking girl like you are not getting enough chances?
In a way yes. I have come a long way in my career and feel that unless Telugu girls like me are encouraged how can we prove ourselves. It is only when you get roles one can show what they are capable of. I am game for any kind of a role.
What have you been doing the lockdown?
I love painting and am reading a lot of books. I am watching world cinema to make myself better as an actress. Also, I am reading how to choose my scripts. What’s working and what is not. I am in an exciting phase and feel the best is yet to come.
Future projects?
I have Color Photo which is a 90’s love story. Then I have almost wrapped up a film with Vishwk Sen which is an action drama. There are many offers from OTT platforms which I will decide once the lockdown is over.
Inspiration as an actor?
I want to be a versatile actress who can do all sorts of roles. For example, A Priyanka Chopra or Amala Paul, they do all sorts of roles and I want to do such different and challenging roles in the future. But unless and until I get better opportunities I cannot prove myself.
With that, we ended our interview with Chandni and wished her the best of luck for her career.
Interviewed by Avad