LIFE IN FRAMES

MEET SANDALWOOD'S STARLET, ASHIKA RANGANATH SPEAK ABOUT HER LOVE FOR STARDOM AND WHY SHE'S SOON STEPPING UP TO BE THE INDUSTRY'S MOST WANTED

- NAMITA GUPTA

1. Tell us about your growing up days. Where did you study? Your time spent later at college. What was your dream career in your childhood days?

I was born in Haasan and brought up in Tumkur. Till 10th standard I was in Tumkur and came to Bangalore for my Pre University at Jyoti Nivas College and then joined MES College. I had no clue as a child what I wanted to do in life, but somewhere around middle school years, I took a keen interest in cultural events and dances. In every school program, I had to perform and participate. I was also the Cultural Secretary in my school. All my teachers and friends used to encourage me a lot and tell me that you belong to the cine world and you must purse a career in the cinema industry. I wasn't really interested in those days, as I was a bright student and was good in studies. I had dabbled with dreams of becoming a doctor, but soon when I realised how difficult the medical field is, I changed my mind.

2. When and how did the journey towards being an actor happen?

I started dancing and learning more dance styles after I moved to Bangalore. I also started doing dance shows. I gave an audition for the Fresh Face contest when I was in my 12th standard as my teachers and friends insisted I take part in it. That was my first exposure to this glamour world. I still can't forget how good it felt putting on professional makeup, dressing up like a model, facing the camera and doing my first ramp walk. Those pictures were circulated everywhere and when I put them up on my social media I was approached by a director from the Kannada film industry. His name was Mahesh Babu and he introduced me to the Sandalwood industry with the film Crazy Boy. I'm so glad I did this as the journey has been going really well so far.

3. What are your other passions and hobbies?