'A spiritual path helped me heal'

S Shyam Prasad | NT

Bengaluru: In this exclusive interview, Ragini Dwivedi, the ever-charming sensation of Sandalwood, takes us on a thrilling journey through her post-Covid career adventures, which have seen her crossing over into different film industries.

Putting personal setbacks behind her, Ragini is now on a quest to establish new milestones, with releases in Kannada, Malayalam, Telugu, and Tamil this year, proving that she's truly going places.

Join us as we sit down with Ragini to explore her artistic evolution, memorable roles, and her impact on the Kannada cinema landscape.

In this têteà-tête with S Shyam Prasad, the multifaceted aspects of this remarkable actress, known for her charisma and beauty, are unveiled.

Q. What's happening on the career front? What are the new adventures?

A. Last year was all about shooting, and this year started with some amazing films being released in different languages and genres.

Sheela, an experimental film in Malayalam and Kannada, was well-received. My return to Telugu films alongside Chiranjeevi sir in Bola Shankar recently was a highlight.

Kick with Santhanam marked my return to Tamil cinema, and I had four releases this year with two more lined up.

I'm currently shooting for four films, including my first Hindi venture, along with two Tamil, one Telugu, and two Kannada films.

Q. You seem to have become the favorite for many brands. We keep seeing you in promotions!

A. It's all about relatability. I do not randomly promote brands. They have to resonate with me. I have an organic following, and I'm blessed to have brands that align with my image, which I've worked hard to create.

I'm genuinely happy promoting some really fun brands.

Q. How did you overcome the challenges of the last few years?

A. It hasn't been easy, but it's been a journey and a learning experience. I've embraced a strong spiritual path that helped me heal and overcome obstacles. I've always had faith in the triumph of good over evil.

The world stood by me and supported me, and I'm overwhelmed and honored.

Q. Will you just stick to acting? You were expected to get into production and direction?

A. With my production ventures, I want to nurture emerging talents in acting and directing. I aim to create a platform I didn't have as a self-made actor. I love acting; it's a beautiful way to convey messages and stories.

So, I'll continue to act, but eventually, I want to get into production, supporting and promoting new talents.

Q. With the convergence of film, TV, and online entertainment, do you feel actors are having the best of all worlds?

A. Absolutely! This is one of the best phases for actors and technicians alike. The emergence of online content and OTT platforms has revitalized careers.

Actors who had faded due to industry norms are making comebacks. The freedom we have as actors to experiment and diversify is fantastic. It's all about content and storytelling, and everyone is exploring different genres and characters. It's a beautiful phase for all of us in the industry.

Q. What can fans look forward to from you in the next two years?

A. The upcoming years are set to be incredibly exciting for me. I'll likely close out this year with a Kannada film, my home industry.

As we step into 2024, there are some intriguing projects on the horizon. Notably, there's a substantial and exciting film named "Vrushabha" in the works. There is also my Hindi debut.

Additionally, there are Tamil and Malayalam films in the pipeline, each offering unique and captivating roles. Fans can anticipate witnessing a diverse range of characters portrayed by me in the coming year.

I'm eagerly looking forward to sharing these experiences with my fans, especially those in Karnataka.