The name Ashika Gopal Padukone may not mean anything to most people, but mention her reel name ‘Avani’ and it evokes love and sympathy among Telugu television serial watchers. A Kannidaga hailing from Bengaluru, Ashika made her debut in a Kannada serial while she was studying for her computer science graduation course. Much to the surprise of many, this distinction student declined campus placements in favour of acting, albeit with the support of her parents. She explains, “I felt I belonged here; this is what I want to do.”
Her stint with the Telugu small screen began as the lead in Star Maa channel’s serial Kathalo Rajakumari . Since it began, she has been shuttling between Hyderabad and Bengaluru.
Kathalo... is the story of a poor village girl Avani who is fondly called ‘Rajakumari’ (princess) by her father. He tells her a rajakumarudu (prince) will marry her and treat her like a princess. But when the father is killed, a new family becomes her guardian. “Avani is a personification of virtue ; She is innocent and always puts others before herself. Some members in the house do not like her and try to create trouble for her,” shares Ashika adding the responses to her character has been amazing. “I liked the character a lot and I identify myself with her. ” She shares, “Avani knows that it isn’t her mistake but never argues about it. She is innocent, so people take advantage of her. I feel sad for the character.” When we ask her if she has any qualities of her on-screen character, she quips: “I have some qualities like patience and forgiveness and am also sensitive; but I am a lot more outgoing and cheerful.”
After her foray into Telugu serials, she picked up Telugu and can now easily talk in it; she credits a supportive team for it. However, her voice in the serial is dubbed.
A trained Hindustani singer with interests in dance and baking, Ashika adds she has not planned anything for future. “I like to go with the flow; I will take up any good opportunity that comes my way. I always look for something big.”
(Kathalo Rajakumari airs on Star Maa, Monday to Saturday at 9 pm)
