Tolu Bommalata may be Hyderabad girl Harshitha Chowdary’s debut film, but she appears calm, composed and with admirable chutzpah that is not often seen in newcomers. She is one of the umpteen Telugu girls making their debut in films, albeit small budget ones, this year. Producers and directors too are showing interest in casting girls raised on home turf rather than talents from Mumbai or down south. It not only saves them production costs but also helps directors who make movies in sync sound. Telugu-speaking girls are increasingly being seen as an advantage; the dynamics are surely changing.
First steps
The Mass Communication student from Roots College in Somajiguda, Hyderabad, had posted her photos on Instagram and bagged projects instantly. “It all started with my photographs on Instagram. Ad filmmakers got in touch and I did a few video and print commercials,” she elaborates.
Buoyed by the response, she didn’t say no when casting agents shared her portfolio with film producers. That’s how she got into Tolu Bommalata . How did her parents react? “I come from a normal middle-class family, and my parents initially did object because they were apprehensive of the dark side of the industry. They eventually gave in. My mom suggests I choose good films, but dad is still disappointed. I did a couple of acting workshops that helped me,” she says.
Harshitha says acting has been a good learning experience and that people have been supportive. She says candidly, “Acting is a never-ending process and there is always a lot to learn. It is an amazing opportunity to work with versatile artistes like Rajendra Prasad and Vennela Kishore. All of us would get nervous in the presence of Rajendra Prasad, but he would share his ideas, give us tips on acting, and talk about his journey..”
Grit and glamour
The 22-year-old admits that working in cinema is a lot more than just glamour. “It is not any other job. It gets very strenuous and is not at all a glamorous profession; you have to be energetic and active.”
Most of Tolu Bommalatta, was shot in Hyderabad barring a couple of days near Rajamundry. She shares, “It is a family entertainer. I play a girl who falls for the hero who is my bava . When the film begins it is established we are in love. I want to marry him but there is a twist.”
The film is director Vishwanath Maganti’s first film and Harshita reckons that he has done an “amazing job”. “There is quality and the dialogues are beautiful. Being young and choosing a story like this is incredible. We must appreciate that he wanted to direct a script like this,” she adds.
The film’s male lead is Vishwanth. Harshitha, who is still pursuing her graduation,says, “The dance moves are all montages and completely story-driven. Though acting wasn’t my passion earlier, I took up the opportunity with all seriousness.”
Harshitha will also be seen in the Viu web series titled Ee Office Lo season 2.
