Although Kriti Sanon is making waves in the industry, now more than ever, sister Nupur Sanon is keen to carve her own path. Difficult as it may seem, she is following in her sister’s footsteps by venturing into south cinema first before spreading her wings in Bollywood. Nupur, who was last seen in the comedy-drama TV series Pop Kaun (2022), is set to make her debut in Telugu cinema, starring alongside Mass Maharaja Ravi Teja in the pan-India project, Tiger Nageswara Rao. Though she entered the industry with preconceived notions, the workings on the set of director Vamsee’s film, produced by Abhishek Agarwal Arts, have left her “pleasantly surprised”.

“[I found] that the Telugu industry is very organised. Their technical expertise is renowned, and the shoot and timing were on point. I felt the warmth as everyone tried to teach me Telugu. I never felt like I didn’t belong there,” smiles Nupur.

It was indeed a dream come true for Nupur to share screen space with the megastar, who has an immense fan following.

“Fans fawn over Ravi Teja and his script sense is remarkable, as he knows which stories will resonate. The producers have a track record of delivering successes. Vamsee’s passion is commendable, as he has worked on the script for two years. I knew I was in safe hands. Not every newcomer gets a performance-oriented role that is commercial and emotionally engaging,” says the actor, who will next be seen in the Nawazuddin Siddiqui-starrer, Noorani Chehra.

When Gayatri Bharadwaj attended a fancy dress competition in her pre-school at the age of five, she decided to dress up as Miss India. Gayatri was so enamoured by the world of showbiz even as a child, she knew she’d grow up to be an actor someday.

Born and raised in Delhi, Gayatri studied dentistry before pursuing a career in modelling and acting. “I truly believe in the power of dreams. So far, whatever I’ve dreamt of has come true. I feel like it’s the power of the universe that has made it happen for me,” says Gayatri, who was crowned Femina Miss India United Continents 2018.

Gayatri, who is managed by Times Talent, will now be featuring in her first pan-India film opposite Tollywood star Ravi Teja. Directed by Vamsee, the film is titled Tiger Nageswara Rao and is bankrolled by Abhishek Agarwal.

The movie, which was officially launched on Saturday, will be releasing in five languages, and marks Gayatri’s debut in the south. The actress says she’s excited to work with Tollywood’s Mass Maharaja. “I’m thrilled to be a part of Tollywood. The love that people here have already bestowed on me has been overwhelming. The audience has been so welcoming although I’m new here. So I’m very grateful for that. Moreover, it’s great to be a part of Ravi Teja’s first pan-India film,” she says, excitedly.

A period drama set in Andhra Pradesh of the 70s, the film is based on the story of Tiger Nageswara Rao, a bandit from Stuartpuram who was known as a messiah of the poor. “The film is based on a real story. Ravi Teja plays Tiger Nageswara Rao, and I play his love interest and wife in the film. I’ll be totally stepping out of my comfort zone to play a rustic villager. There will be no make-up or glamour. But I’m here to showcase my ability as an actor, and the best way to grow is when you step out of your comfort zone,” says Gayatri.

The actress says she will be spending the next couple of months prepping for her role in the film. “I’m going to be learning Telugu by the time I go on sets, ’cos I want to understand whatever everybody is saying around me. I feel it will help me act better. I can’t wait to get started,” she says, adding, “It’s exciting to start my Tollywood career with such a unique character, and I look forward to bringing more thrilling characters to life as I start a new journey in the industry.”