'I Want TO DO A K-Drama'

'I want to be in Korea doing a love story, full of romance.'

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Lakshmi Manchu is a name that resonates with versatility and grace across various film industries.

The daughter of Telugu movie star Mohan Babu, Lakshmi has made her presence felt in Tamil and Telugu cinema, as well as making significant strides in Hollywood.

"It sounds like a very unconventional roadmap but going to Hollywood seemed easier than a Telugu girl from South India from a certain family to have a dream to be in front of the camera.

It was such a no-no," Lakshmi tells Contributor Mohnish Singh. What gave you the certainty that acting was the career you should pursue? Certainly, I don't know, but I can tell you that I had a feeling as young as I can remember.

And then, also being really scared of having that feeling because by then, we had already been talking about I had picked up somewhere, that girls from our homes don't act.

During college, I went to see a play once and my entire being shifted to 'This is what you're supposed to be doing'. It was like a floodlight from the stage to me.

It was such a revelation. So within the first semester of my college, I had the guts to change my major.

Did your father Mohan Babu being a prominent figure in Telugu cinema have anything to do with you joining films?

My mother encouraged me.

My dad was not keen on me being an actor, but you know, when you follow your dream, everybody conspires because ultimately they want you to be happy.

Can you share any advice or lessons from your father that guided you through your career?

I think the longevity of my career is only because of what my dad had taught me about the industry, about patience, discipline and keeping your word.

Your word should mean more than what you write on a piece of paper.

People should value your word, value your time.