Ranbir Kapoor and Rashmika Mandanna starrer ‘Animal’, which hit theatres on 1 December 2023, will feature a Hyderabadi and popular ‘Bahubali 2’ actor, Ashrita Vemuganti. Speaking exclusively to Natyahasini, actor and Bharatanatyam dancer, Ashrita Vemuganti, says: “It was in April last year (2022) that I received a casting call for ‘Animal’. They referred to my work in ‘Dear Comrade’ and approached me for this role, which I later learnt is a guest appearance.” Ashrita goes on to say that what worked in her favour was the ability to say the dialogue in Hindi and Telugu. “You’ll have to watch the film to understand why two languages,” she says, with a chuckle.
The dancer says that her role may be brief; but the Mumbai stint for a Ranbir Kapoor film sits pretty in her kitty now. “Ranbir Kapoor was courteous and Rashmika was her usual bubbly self,” she says. However, Ashrita is thankful to her mother, Dr. Geeta Vemuganti and her husband, Raghu Vamsi Nanduri, as they looked after little Ayansh, who was just a year-old, when she was apprehensive to leave him and go to work. “With the support of my husband and mother; could manage the same,” says the ‘Dear Comrade’ actor.
The Hyderabadi girl warns that one bitter truth all actors have to be prepared for is the length of their role after the last edit. “I generally don’t keep my hopes too high before any release. Maybe that’s why my presence in the trailer took me by complete surprise. I still remember that moment. My friend and dancer Subbulakshmi had invited me to the Hyderabad Public School to judge a dance competition. We were in the majestic dining hall of this dynamic school when a well-wisher texted ‘Congratulations’. I relish the experience of watching it in all excitement,” says the Bharatanatyam dancer.
Ashrita confesses that her most favourite part of any film shoot is the interaction with co-actors. “Here too, a wonderful bunch of fine artists kept each other good company through the day. I particularly take home the warmth extended by Indira Krishnan ji, an established name in the television industry,” says the Tollywood actor.
Before signing off, Ashrita says with two toddlers – son and daughter, she is enjoying her time with them, teaching dance to youngsters and working in a couple of Telugu films. However, like all movie buffs, Ashrita says: “Looking forward to watching the film.”