IT took Naina Dash no time to be the role model for many a youth as the rebellious yet prudent protagonist in many teleserials. As a host for music based reality show Prathama Swara, she inspired female TV anchors through her vibrant and diligent presentation. And now, long after playing the sizzling beauty in the hit album video ‘Emiti ranga de’, Naina Dash is busy with movies not only in the Oriya industry but also the sought-after Tollywood.
A graduate from the Utkal Sangeet Mahavidyalaya in Odissi vocal, Dash had always wanted to pursue a career in singing. But offers came by in 2003 when the Jajpur girl was almost simultaneously offered a Narottam Parida directed teleseries for Doordarshan and Prathama Swara on O TV. Soon her performance brought her more opportunities to play a strong, bold lead in many serials like Duhita, Raju Mishra’s popular teleserial in which Dash’s performance of Biswarupa aka Rupa was well lauded. She also hosted three more music and dance shows. “I’m glad my serials, though few, worked really well,” she says. The selective actor chose very few album videos , just like serials, to make sure the outcome is of quality which led to movie offers.
“I was really skeptical initially about working for films because I felt the stage was completely different and bigger. But I discussed with my parents and after being sure I had the confidence, accepted few offers,” she says. Dash started off with Maa Mangala as her first Oriya film and played important roles in hits like Sasughara Chalijibi. She also explored the acclaimed Bangla filmdom before long which she says was a great experience. “Getting compliments from veterans like Prasenjit da pushed my confidence high,” she says excitedly. “I love the way industries in Bengal and South work. But I wish to prove myself here, in the Oriya industry,” she adds. The actor has tasted success in Chhatisgarhi films too and after Junction, her first Telugu film with a newcomer hero, she’s happy people identify her as an actor down South. “I’m also relieved I did a bubbly, soft-hearted and fun-loving character, breaking the stereotype of a bold and daring girl roles,” she giggles.
A post-graduate in PR and Advertising from Utkal, the go-ahead girl is pursuing an MBA from RCM here. “I love studying. After all human beings are shallow without knowledge. I make sure I carry my course books to outdoor locations because the fear of securing less marks motivates me,” Dash says. Other than reading articles and magazines, you’ll find Dash busy on phone with her friends if not browsing the Internet. Talking about her aspirations she says, “I don’t set targets for myself. But I believe it’s important to be independent or rather self-dependent.”
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