Popular Kuchipudi dancer Sandhya Raju is debuting to films as actress with upcoming dance based film Natyam releasing in a couple of days.

The actress in her exclusive interview with us shared about her personal life and also about the film.

Sandhya Raju who leads a simple life says the simplicity came from her parents and grandparents.

“All my family members are simple and humble personalities. Even many people came to the dance academy were from simple families. I feel if we work hard and respect our gurus, it brings growth in our art.”

Though she came from high profile family, she wanted to have her own mark in whatever she does.

“I started my journey as a classical dancer. I didn’t have any dreams of entering films in my childhood. It just happened. After doing short films, what I thought was to spread our art, doing films is the right choice.

The film got excellent support from the industry biggies.

“Yes, we got good support from everyone. Upasana launched first look. NTR launched teaser, while Balakrishna launched Namah Shivaya song. Venkatesh and Ravi Teja launched two different songs.

Ram Charan told us that he will attend pre-release function, only if he likes the movie. He watched the movie and came to pre-release function, out of respect on the movie. I feel blessed.”

Besides doing the lead actress, Sandhya Raju took many responsibilities like producing costume designing, production design etc.

“I took great risk as an actor. It took 80 working days for us to complete the shoot. Looking after different crafts from costumes to production design, it was very hectic for me. I had to come to sets very early to look after all the works.

My director taught me Telugu and he also gave bit of acting tips as well. So, I didn’t feel uncomfortable when I faced the camera. But for my next film, I will stick to acting. But I have no regrets. I got to learn many crafts of the film.

Sandhya Raju says they wanted to make a film that will remain in the hearts of Telugu people for long period.

“I might have given around 1000 performances, but I realized that it has reached only few groups of people. We thought people get inspired and learn classical dance, if we make a film based on dance.”

She has recalled the kind of efforts she had put in for a tough dance move.

“It’s a 30 second song. I practiced with dance assistant for more than 100 times. When director informed me to shoot the song next day, different ideas came to my mind. But I thought of giving a last try and I could pull it off in first take. I then tried another 10 takes and I was successful in every take.”

Sandhya Raju who set up a dance academy is willing to help Indian forests and is working on a project along with her mother.

She says the best support she gets from her husband Rama Raju is that he doesn’t interfere in whatever she does.

“He is someone who believes that women should have equal opportunities.”

Sandhya Raju says there are politics in every field and dance field is no different. She has recalled an incident of how her family friends discouraged when she got positive review for her stage show in Chennai.

She says she has a story in mind based on a real incident in Telangana.

“I’m wishing to continue as actress, but it’s in the hands of Telugu people. If they like me as an actress, I will continue.”