Ashrita Vemuganti, a Bharatanatyam and Kuchipudi dancer will be seen in SS Rajmouli’s much-awaited magnum opus, Baahubali - The Conclusion . Recalling her selection for the role, Ashrita says that it was way back in 2013, when she had performed semi-classical dance at an audio launch. “I had no clue that Rajmouli garu was seated along with his family in the audience. A month later, I got a call from Kartikeya (Rajmouli’s son) to ask whether I was interested in doing a period film. I jumped at the offer and am ever grateful that my dance had got me this opportunity,” says Ashrita, proudly.
Individualistic art
Learning dance under stalwarts Priya Karthikeyan and Rajeswari Sainath, the young dancer showcased her choreography skills in the semi-classical number that bowled over the audiences present there. “Working in productions of about 12 dance schools till date, I noticed each one has a unique teaching style and approach and that is exactly what makes dance an individualistic art,” says Ashrita, who has trained in Kuchipudi at the Kuchipudi Art Academy, part of guru Vempati Ravi Shankar’s ensemble.
Ashrita adds, “My seriousness of cinema grew multitude after I saw on the field how much hard work goes into in front and behind the camera.” Speaking about the opportunity to work with the lead actress Anushka Shetty, Ashrita says, “She has had a lasting impression on me. I have learnt a lot from watching and observing the diva from close quarters, she is extremely affectionate.”
The dancer has forayed into other media to experiment and widen her reach. She has anchored TV programmes, beginning with Geetanjali music show for TTD, Viswanadamrutham for ETV, interviewed director K Viswanath for Vanita TV and is currently part of Poojaku Velaye series in SVBC.
Like many other girls, this Hyderabadi dancer grew up admiring Bollywood diva Madhuri Dixit and Bharatanatyam dancer and film actor Shobana. Currently Ashrita teaches freestyle dancing to women, who want to dance to the songs they love. “It is important that people love what they do. In freestyle dance classes, I include basic yoga and breathing,” shares Ashrita.
Ashrita’s tillana uploaded five years ago on Youtube has garnered 1.6 lakh viewership and has brought in finance consultant, fitness expert and dancer Gunja from Toronto to learn tillana from her thus prompting the anchor-dancer to get back to classical dancing.
Speaking about her future plans, Ashrita says she hasn’t signed any new film, and awaits the release of Baahubali 2 with bated breath. She is currently pursuing M.Phil in dance research, from University of Madras and flies to the US in May to give a few dance programmes.
