Some might say she was born with a silver spoon but actor-model Lakshmi Manchu made sure life wasn’t served up on a platter. Daughter of renowned Telugu actor Mohan Babu, college for her was about self-discovery and learning things the hard way. Graduating in theatre from Oklahoma City University (OCU), USA, was a four-year test of resilience as Lakshmi chose the less beaten path of dramatics than computer science, which she had initially enrolled for. “I didn’t last one semester in computer science. In the first semester when my friends suggested we go for a play together, I thought, ‘Why not!’ And that evening was a revelation. I just knew what I wanted to do,” says the actor. “College helped me find myself, away from the protective atmosphere at home,” she confesses. She gives us a glimpse into her life as a student at OCU.
What did college teach you?
College was a journey of self-discovery. All the maths, history and computer science classes made me feel dumb. However, once I realized that theatre was my calling, I walked up to the student council and told them what I wanted to do. I understand that Indians keep planning about the future but America is about ‘now’. And that helped me choose. I also picked up a lot of discipline living away from home and in a different country. In USA, people are particular about not driving after having a few drinks. As a result, I was usually the designated driver there. Also, keeping time and being responsible about classes came naturally.
What was your proudest moment in college?
In India, I realised I was no star student. I barely managed to pass in junior college and I thought I wasn’t good enough for academics. When I graduated on the Dean’s honour roll, it felt like I was walking down the aisle.
Have you had any embarrassing moments in college?
As I was on my own during college and didn’t take a penny from my parents, I had to work. My friend and I even tried our hands at running a catering service but Indian students would expect a steaming pot of biryani in 30 minutes, as though it was all ready to go! I was also the president of Indian Students Association at college. When people wanted to throw away a fridge at the university, I actually borrowed it and started stocking cold drinks for a small amount so that students need not go out.
How did you score points with the opposite gender?
Being Indian but without conventional Indian looks helped! I was often called exotic. There came a time when I was averse to talking to any one who thought I was exotic.
Was bunking a part of your college routine?
Unlike in India, the US system provides a lot of flexibility. Showing up at the designated hour for a class was your responsibility and I would usually plan my day so that I could attend classes between 8am and noon, as I was working part-time.
Did you have any rifts with professors? Why?
Well, I did pick up a fight with my HoD. For a good reason, though. A musical theatre programme was very popular. I wanted to opt for that and dance. My HoD was dead against it. I tried to reason with her saying that I was an international student and wanted to make the best of my stay there. She threatened to fail me but in the end I managed to go in for the programme.
Where did you hang out in college with friends?
We had a mother hen figure in college. Her name is Farida Shams. She hails from Pakistan and is the director of international relations at the university. She would call us home for lunch. She introduced us to this Mexican food joint called Ted’s. In fact, the last time I was at Oklahoma, I drove all the way to Florida to attend a friend’s wedding, as I wanted to eat at Ted’s.
What extracurricular activities were you involved in?
I was head of Indian Students Association. When I took over, the bank balance in its account was 16 cents. When I left, it stood at $17,000. I would organise Diwali parties and get-togethers. I was also president of the International Students Association for some time.
— payal@newindianexpress.com