Sandalwood is slowly becoming a big family with daughters and sons following the footsteps of their star fathers and mothers. Joining the bandwagon is director N Om Prakash Rao and actress Rekha Das’ daughter Shravya who chose to become an actor at 20 rather than get behind the camera to direct. “I am done with my studies and now want to concentrate on cinema,” says Shravya .
"With the film background of my grandfather N S Rao and my parents, it was but obvious for them to see their daughter follow in their footsteps. They didn’t have any problem with my career choice,” she adds.
The actress is debuting with Loosegalu and according to her, she agreed to be part of the film because it was performance-oriented. “I play the role of a dumb girl, which I thought was a good start and would also bring me a trade name. I auditioned and was picked for the movie. I am paired opposite another talented hero, Shreeki,” reveals Shravya.
She has already bagged another film, Rose, opposite Ajai Rao. “ interested me the moment I heard its brief. I auditioned for this film too and was glad to learn that both the director and producer thought that I was apt for the role. The movie basically tells the story of a boy and a girl who are deeply in love. The film will go on floors from May 19,” says the newbie.
She also feels lucky in terms of her co-artistes with whom she was chosen to work. “I developed a good rapport with Shreeki while shooting for Loosegalu. As for Ajai, he has established a name for himself with unique roles. Recently, we did a photo shoot for the movie. Initially, I was nervous but Ajai too acted like a newcomer to make me comfortable. You can see this in the pictures,” she states.
Shravya disagrees that she has been getting good films because of her father. “I don’t want to be judged by my father’s or my grandfather’s talent. I was selected after going through auditions and purely on my own merit," she asserts.
Shravya could have taken advantage of the brand 'Om Prakash'. Yet, she deliberately did not wish to debut under her father’s direction. “I am a bit stubborn and I wanted to prove myself. It is a sweet challenge on my dad that I will stand on my own.
For that matter my grandfather entered the industry without any godfather but he went on to become the brand he is today. I would like follow his steps,” said Shravya. She further adds, “I would definitely act in my dad’s film. If my hard work gets noticed by him, I am sure he will cast me,” she says.
Shravya is aiming high and wants to work hard to make it to the top.
“I watch a lot of movies to learn from them. As a teenager, I used to write dialogues of the movies and practise them in front of the mirror. Being an actress was an old dream, which has taken its shape now. My success mantra is hard work and little bit of luck. I guess I have both on my side,” she says. Well said.