Well-known Kuchipudi exponent Sandhya Raju is awaiting the release of the investigative Malayalam thriller Careful` this Friday (May 26).

Having evolved a no-frills version of the Classical dance, Sandhya has been venturing out into other creative endeavors like cinema.

"In evolving a no-frills version of Kuchipudi, I have taken out all the extra ornamentation, thereby sticking to just what is necessary," the soft-spoken woman says.

A disciple of Guru Vempati and Kishore Mosalikanti, the artiste has developed a unique style of her own. It is the cultivated finesse that sets her part, a critic once put it.

Besides classical dancing and cinema, Sandhya keeps interest in scuba diving and fashion as well. "She is a certified scuba diver; has walked the ramp for top notch fashion and textile designers. Her short film, 'Natyam', became quite the talking point. She got admiration for performing her role with grace and playing the character very well," a close aide says.

She had earlier performed the title track in the art-house movie 'Devasthanam'.

The multi-faceted creative personality is looking forward to debut as a lead in VK Prakash`s Careful`, opposite Vijay Babu.

Her Hyderabadi connection is through Nishrinkala Dance Academy, which she runs here.