When I think of Telugu cinema, I feel Ketika Sharma is one of the most promising actresses. The young star was introduced by Puri Jagannath in Romantic and since her first release there is no looking back for the actress. The actress, along with co-star Vaisshnav Tej is gearing up for the release of her third film Rana Rana Vaibhavanga. In an exclusive interaction with Team MissMalini, Ketika opens up about her dream debut, getting interviewed by Prabhas and lots more.
Check out the trailer of Rana Rana Vaibhavanga here:
Read the excerpts from there interview here:
Were there any similarities between you and your character in Ranga Ranga Vaibhavanga?
The most striking similarity is honesty, she is a very honest girl, I also believe that I am an honest person. Whatever she does, it gives her heart to it and I am also similar in that way. She is a genuine and honest girl and I related to that.
How was it working with Vaisshnav Tej?
Vaisshnav is a dear friend and working with him was so much fun. Our characters in the film are troubling and teasing each other. And that’s what we do even in real life. It wasn’t very different from what we are portraying on screen. I had a blast working with Vaisshnav.
You made a debut with a project with Puri Jagannath, how did that happen?
Someone from Puri Connects, which is his production house, showed him my picture on Instagram. He liked my look, he thought that I suited the character in a movie called Romantic. He called me to test for the part. I flew down, I met sir, I tested for the part, and I got it. And that’s how it happened.
And even before your debut, you signed a film called Lakshya with Naga Shourya. Tell us something about that?
It was the last day of the shooting of Romantic. I met the director Santhossh Jagarlapudi of Lakshya. He narrated the film to me. By that time, some glimpses and a song from Romantic were already out. I was already there, the name had already spread that Puri sir was launching this new girl. So when you have a Puri tag on your name, you automatically get some attention. He is such a big name. So, by the time Romantic was on its completion, the director of Lakshya contacted me and that’s how the film happened.
You were born in Delhi, how did the journey happen from there till South?
I was born in Delhi and studied in Lucknow, then again I did my college in Delhi. After that I went for my masters in Australia. I moved to Mumbai to pursue my dream of becoming an actor. When I came to Mumbai, I got contacted by Puri Connects in the South. I was very open to doing South films because I have always been a fan of South cinema.
You also consider your father is your best friend, how has he been a support in your career?
My father has added the wind beneath my wings. He knows that acting is a career that requires a lot of patience. It is a career that takes time to gain stability, I believe the stability and financial stability comes a bit later. For that you need the financial backing from your family, not only financial, all sorts of support, be it mental or emotional. I feel your family needs to really be your backbone. In professions like these you can really flourish. I really believe the reason why I am able to talk about my third film is because my family has always supported me. My dad has always been the backbone and he is always said that he is here for me and proud of me. Please go and live your dream. He has believed in me and that’s what has given me confidence. I owe it all to my parents.
When it comes to fitness do you take advice from your elder brother, Cody?
Well, he is actually thirteen years older than me. He is almost like a second father figure to me. He has always been the biggest inspiration when it comes to fitness. He is inspiring to me in more ways than one.
How does it feel to be appreciated for your talent by an actor like Prabhas?
I could not be more grateful when I got an interviewed by Prabhas Garu. I am a fan of his, so I had to pinch myself over and over again. To get this opportunity for someone that great and huge. One of the greatest stars of our country interviewing me in my debut project. Even when I think about it now, it’s so overwhelming I kind of get tears in my eyes because it’s huge for me. I am also grateful to Puri sir, as it happened because of him. Getting interviewed by Prabhas is one of my greatest memories
Given a chance, which filmmaker would you like to work with in Bollywood?
I am a huge fan of Zoya Akhtar. Every actor dreams of being Sanjay Leela Bhansali. I am open to working with anybody with a beautiful story and a good project. I am here to act, and do good work. I am very passionate about it.
Ranga Ranga Vaibhavanga will arrive in cinemas on 2nd September 2022.