Srinivasa Mangapuram Is a Complete Entertainer: Rasha Thadani
Bollywood actress Rasha Thadani, daughter of veteran actress Raveena Tandon, is all set to make her Telugu debut with Srinivasa Mangapuram, directed by Ajay Bhupathi. The film also marks the acting debut of Jayakrishna Ghattamaneni, grandson of Superstar Krishna and nephew of Mahesh Babu. Veteran actor Dr. Mohan Babu plays a powerful role in the prestigious project, which is produced by P. Kiran and presented by Vyjayanthi Movies‘ C. Ashwini Dutt.
With the film scheduled for a worldwide theatrical release on July 30, Rasha interacted with the media and spoke about her Telugu debut, working with Ajay Bhupathi, her co-stars, and her experience shooting the film.
When did you first hear the story of Srinivasa Mangapuram?
I heard the story in July last year. The way director Ajay Bhupathi narrated it and developed every character completely impressed me. The love, emotions, and depth of the screenplay instantly connected with me. While listening to the narration, I could clearly see how passionately he had created every character, and that emotion stayed with me. I knew immediately that I wanted to be part of this beautiful film.
Tell us about your character.
I play Manga, a character with two completely different shades. On one hand, she is cheerful, bubbly, and full of excitement. On the other, she is graceful, mature, and composed. Audiences will understand her complete journey only after watching the film. Manga is one of the closest characters to my heart.
How challenging was it to perform in Telugu?
I can understand Telugu to some extent, but speaking it fluently was definitely challenging. Director Ajay Bhupathi personally helped me with every dialogue and explained the emotional context behind each scene. He was extremely patient and made sure I understood every line before filming. His support made the process much easier.
How was it working with Jayakrishna Ghattamaneni?
Jayakrishna is a very sweet and calm person. He brought a positive energy to the sets, and we had a wonderful time shooting together. There was always a fun atmosphere, which made the experience even more enjoyable.
How was your experience with Dr. Mohan Babu?
It was wonderful. My mother has also worked with Mohan Babu sir, so it felt special. He is incredibly entertaining on set and constantly keeps everyone smiling with his jokes. Beyond that, his decades of experience were inspiring, and I learned many valuable things from him.
What were the biggest challenges while making your Telugu debut?
The language was naturally my biggest challenge. Initially, understanding and delivering long Telugu dialogues wasn’t easy. However, Ajay Bhupathi sir patiently explained every dialogue in Telugu and Hindi, ensuring I understood the meaning before performing. We always rehearsed thoroughly before every scene, and the team never rushed me.
How does it feel to make your Telugu debut under Vyjayanthi Movies?
It is truly an honour. Vyjayanthi Movies is one of the most prestigious production houses in Indian cinema and has introduced several legendary stars, including Mahesh Babu. Ashwini Dutt sir is one of the kindest people I have ever met. He treated me like his own granddaughter and always made sure I was comfortable. Despite achieving extraordinary success, he remains humble and grounded, which I deeply admire.
Was working in Telugu cinema your own decision?
Absolutely. I have always wanted to work in Telugu cinema. I mentioned this during the teaser launch as well. Baahubali is one of my all-time favourite films. Telugu cinema consistently creates larger-than-life cinematic experiences and introduces audiences to completely new worlds. Being part of this industry has been a dream for me.
What advice did your mother give you?
My mother told me that the Telugu film industry has one of the healthiest and most welcoming working environments. She said the shooting experience would be enjoyable and advised me to learn the language. I’m following her advice and making every effort to learn Telugu.
What can audiences expect from Srinivasa Mangapuram?
The film is a complete entertainer with action, romance, comedy, and strong emotional moments. It offers something for every section of the audience.
How did your father react to your Telugu debut?
He was extremely happy. He has always loved Telugu cinema and has even spoken about moving to Hyderabad at one point. Seeing me make my debut here has been a proud and emotional moment for him.
What makes this debut special?
I consider myself fortunate to begin my Telugu journey with a film like Srinivasa Mangapuram. Ajay Bhupathi has a unique style of storytelling, especially when it comes to writing strong female characters. Manga is a memorable role with plenty of scope for performance, and I’m grateful to have started my career with such a meaningful character.
What kind of films would you like to do in the future?
I don’t want to limit myself to one genre. I would love to explore action, comedy, period dramas, romance, and every other genre. In fact, my next project belongs to the comedy genre.
Tell us about the film’s music.
The film features six songs, and each one is beautiful. The three songs released so far have received an amazing response from audiences. Every song is my favourite because they all have a unique flavour. Working in a film scored by G.V. Prakash Kumar is a blessing. His music is truly magical.
What do you think about Ajay Bhupathi’s films?
I was highly impressed after watching RX 100, and Mangalavaaram was another remarkable film. I believe Srinivasa Mangapuram is another excellent addition to his filmography.
How was the overall shooting experience?
Honestly, shooting this film felt like a vacation. I enjoyed every single day on set, and it has been one of the happiest experiences of my career so far.
How special was shooting in Tirupati?
Beginning my Telugu film journey in Tirupati feels incredibly blessed. Everyone associated with the film has worked wholeheartedly to make it special. I sincerely hope that, with God’s blessings and the audience’s love, Srinivasa Mangapuram becomes a grand success when it releases worldwide on July 30.
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