HYDERABAD: Who can change what destiny decides for you? And that worked in the favour of TV host and actor Varshini Sounderajan. Even before she saw the dream of being in the position that she is in today, opportunity knocked on her thrusting her into the show business.
Little did she know as an innocent teenager that she will turn into one of the most sought-after faces in the small screen. But here we are, in conversation with Varshini, who still holds close her childlike innocence and enthusiasm that is “as fresh as the day she stepped in front of the camera”. Currently hosting the hit show, Dhee and featuring as the female lead in the hit web series, Pelli Gola 2, she has her hands full. She, however, makes time to chat up with us about how life started and where it is headed for her.
Girl Next Door
“I was just another teenager; going to college, chilling with friends,” reminisces Varshini. “The only reason I even noticed the glamour industry was because of my friends. They would say, ‘you are tall and pretty. Why don’t you try out modelling?’ And it stuck in my head as, ‘Yes, why not?’ Later through a friend, I ended up auditioning and getting selected as a model for a saree shoppee,” she narrates. Thus started her journey into the limelight. “Imagine a young college-going girl seeing herself on hoardings across the city. I was elated! There was no motive or planning behind it. It was pure innocent excitement after seeing myself on hoardings,” she enthuses.
As her college-life went on so did her modelling career. She went on to do a few more modelling gigs which kept her on her toes. “For someone like me, I was very content doing modelling. I had no plans on leveraging that experience for something further. I was happy to earn my own pocket money. I loved posing for the camera and seeing myself on billboards. In my head all I could think was, ‘I’m going to buy clothes with this money,’” she chuckles. Well, but fate had different plans for her.
A dream role
Varshini’s claim-to-fame came from the National-Award winning film Chandamama Kathalu of which she was an important part of. However, as one would think, Varshini hadn’t jumped at the prospect of being featured in a movie so early on in her life. When Varshini’s modelling coordinator and a friend who was also handling casting for the film spoke to her about the role, she wasn’t instantly drawn to it. “My family wasn’t too excited about me entering the film industry. They were very protective of me and were apprehensive about the same.
I, on the other hand, was content with my modelling life and didn’t take the opportunity too seriously,” she says. But on her friend’s insistence, she went to visit director Praveen Sattaru. “He spoke to me as if I had already agreed to the role. He explained the nuances of the film and the character which I found very interesting. And when I asked my friend what that was all about he convinced me to take up the role. He told me that Praveen garu really liked my look and wanted to cast me in his film. Keeping all of these things in mind, I agreed for the part and I have never regretted it. In fact, I am grateful that I did,” says Varshini.
The ups and downs
For someone who peaks so early on in life, a drab period too comes early on. “I had so many offers pouring in after Chandamama Kathalu and its success. I did take up a few as well. But show business goes, most of them tanked and some of them didn’t even release,” she narrates adding, “I was confused. I did not know how that had happened. But I didn’t lose heart. I knew I could always go back to my modelling life and that there was nothing to worry about.” But it looked like the industry hadn’t seen enough of her yet. “I was then offered a new TV show to host and again I was apprehensive.
I called up my confidante and dear friend Anasuya Akka and she told me to take it up without a second thought. She boosted my confidence and told me that TV is a great start and that it will improve my spontaneity and skill as well. So, I took her advice and went for it. And there’s no looking back since,” she smiles. Having said that, she admits that she was nervous at first when she faced the camera for TV. She says, “Everyone I was working with were seniors and I was a newbie. I had every reason to be nervous. But the director and the other anchors made me feel welcome and comfortable. There’s never a dull day with this bunch.”
Meanwhile, she also was offered Pelli Gola, a web series by Annapurna Studios. “I had no idea about the digital arena. But I loved the script, the character and the fact that it was by a big production house like Annapurna removed my apprehensions,” says the damsel. The web series was an instant hit. So much so that Pelli Gola 2 is now on air.
Self-love is key
Juggling television and digital, one might think, Varshini is one stressed out being. She is anything but that. “I was someone who worked nonstop,” she shares, “But there was a low point in my life when I realised that I had to do something for myself; to keep myself sane. I started to focus on myself; my health my fitness and my happiness. I make it a point to go away on vacations every few months without fail. If I were to get a couple of days off I will take off on a short trip with friends. It rejuvenates you and comes back to work with better energy. Taking off every now and then makes your work better also.”
Not the one to worry about competition, Varshini is a self-assured individual, barely letting any negativity affect her. And it does reflect in her attitude towards work. Being offered films actively, Varshini has no hurry to jump on the bandwagon. “I have been getting opportunities in films. But I’m quite tied up with my own work. However, I am looking at scripts and if anything catches my attention I will certainly take it up,” says Varshini bidding goodbye to getting back to her busy routine.