Aakanksha Singh returns to Telugu cinema with ‘Shashtipoorthi'
The Hindi film Runway 34 and the web series Khakee: The Bengal Chapter have made Aakanksha Singh more recognisable across the country. But those familiar with Telugu cinema will remember her quiet charm in the coming-of-age romance Malli Raava, the comedy Devadas, and the anthology Meet Cute. In Hyderabad to promote her new film Shashtipoorthi, set to release on May 30, Aakanksha smiles at the mention of these roles: 'I have been lucky to get these projects. People still talk about Malli Raava — it has become a bit of a cult romance over time.'
Why have we not seen more of her in Telugu films? 'That is something I keep asking too,' she laughs. 'I have had some good offers, thankfully. Maybe it's all just timing. But yes, I would love to do more work here.'
Directed by Pavan Prabha, Shashtipoorthi stars Aakanksha alongside Rupeysh, with veteran actors Rajendra Prasad and Archana. She says, 'We shot for 40 days in Rajahmundry, and I got to play a proper 'Telugammayi'. It's not just a token heroine part. I have always looked for roles that matter and give me the scope to perform.'
The film is a family drama that explores close-knit relationships. 'We have seen a lot of action and romance lately. This one is more for the families.'
Theatre to cinema
Jaipur-born Aakanksha began her acting journey in theatre before moving to television with Na Bole Tum Na Maine Kuch Kaha. 'The show ran for two seasons, and we filmed for eight months for each season. It was a slice-of-life drama where I played a mother of two,' she recalls of her 2012 debut.
But the dream had always been cinema. A cameo in Badrinath ki Dulhania, starring Alia Bhatt and Varun Dhawan, gave her a first taste of the big screen. 'Television demands playing one character over a long stretch, and after a point, I felt creatively unfulfilled. Coming from a theatre background, I missed the challenge of exploring different characters. Being on a film set again with Badrinath rekindled that spark.'
An unexpected call from writer-director Gowtam Tinnanuri changed things. 'He had seen my photos and thought I would suit the role of Anjali in Malli Raava. We had a 45-minute chat, he narrated the story and followed it up with a short pitch video. I was drawn in, and got over my hesitation about working in an unfamiliar language.'
Malli Raava was followed by a role in Devadas, alongside Nagarjuna Akkineni, Nani, and Rashmika Mandanna. 'There was a great creative buzz on set,' she says. She also appeared in the Kannada film Pailwaan, among other Telugu-Tamil bilingual films.
'Just when I thought things were moving in the right direction, the pandemic brought it all to a halt,' she adds.
Riding the digital wave
There was, however, a silver lining. Hindi and Telugu web series started coming her way in quick succession. 'I followed all safety precautions and travelled between Mumbai and Hyderabad for work. I am grateful that work kept coming — it meant I was not out of sight,' says Aakanksha.
Telugu series such as Parampara, Meet Cute, and Bench Life, along with Hindi titles Rangbaaz, Ranneeti, and Khakee kept her schedule full. 'It was a tough time for everyone, and I am glad I was not sitting idle.'
Reflecting on her 13-year journey as an actor, Aakanksha says it is self-belief and focus that have kept her going. 'I have learnt a lot from those I have worked with, but also from my own experiences. That is what has helped me grow as a performer.'
She believes it is time to put to rest the idea that female actors have limited longevity. 'It is a myth that we have short shelf lives,' she says firmly, citing Shefali Shah and Neena Gupta as examples. 'If we nurture our talent and stay open to evolving, we will stay relevant.'
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