Shivathmika Rajasekhar, the younger daughter of Dr. Rajasekhar and Jeevitha, is debuting with 'Dorasaani'.  Ahead of the film's release on July 12, she talks about the film, its premise, what the audience can expect from it, her role in the movie, the bonhomie she shares with her parents and sister Shivani and more.

Always wanted to be an actor

This film was not planned, although I had been wanting to become an actress for many years.  Our family knows Madhura Sreedhar Reddy garu well.  He remembered me when they were looking for an 18-year-old girl for the story.  I had completed Inter exams only some months ago.  I wanted to take a break from academics for a while.  This is when director Mahendra sir came to me and narrated the story for 4 hours.  The story has been written in a great way.  I auditioned for the role along with Anand Deverakonda.  I spoke some lines during the audition.  Two and a half months later, I got a call from the makers.  The producer told me he liked the way I walked during the audition.

Bhansali-type heroine

I have always wanted to play good roles.  I have been a fan of the heroines of Sanjay Leela Bhansali.  My character in 'Dorasaani' has been written like those characters in SLB's movies.  I couldn't have asked for more.  I don't want to restrict myself to modern roles.

A balanced character

I felt honoured to play a balanced role.  There are no forced things in the name of commercial pressures.  Dorasaani behaves the way she should.  We shot in a building which is believed to be haunted.  There were hundreds of bats in a room and I ran away out of fear when we were put there.  There is a room in the building which curses the entire family of anyone who steals anything from it.

That's how love begins

Dorasaani lives in a room and she is not permitted to step out of it.  She is a happy soul and once Raju (Anand) enters her life during Bathukamma 'jatara', it changes.  Raju is more educated than others in the village.  Obviously, he faces severe limitations in terms of meeting Dorasaani.  What all he does to reach her is shown in an interesting way.

The day I froze

The first shot of the movie was shot on me.  I went to the floors with total confidence, thinking acting is my blood.  But when 'Action' was called, I froze.  A few days later, I started getting comfortable. I have watched the final edit and I loved it absolutely.

An excellent co-star, friend

Anand is fun to be with. He is sweet.  I didn't know that Vijay Deverakonda has a younger brother.  We became good friends right from the first day.  Anand was selected before me.  I can't imagine anybody else doing the role.  I can't compare him with his elder brother, as both of them are very good actors.  He is very hardworking, participated in lots of workshops.  His Telugu is a bit Anglicized and that's why he worked on the accent as well, as the film is based in rural Telangana.

Advise from parents

Many have likened me to my mother (Jeevitha).  She and my father often tell me that I should do a role with total involvement.  They ask me not to try to act.

Emoting with eyes

I have only a limited number of lines in the film.  It was very demanding to show my emotions through eyes.  Since she doesn't talk much, she has to show emotions through eyes.  The director was particular about how much I should open my eyes!  I hope I have pulled it off well.  The audience have to judge me.

Always on film set

I used to spend a lot of time during childhood on film set.  I have had friends in the film industry because of this reason.  When my elder sister would go to set, I tag along.

Influence of parents

I want to play my age in films.  My mother has watched the final edit but my mother is yet to watch.  He is very frank when it comes to giving honest feedback.  My father has influenced me by being a pucca director's actor.  He has always followed his directors' instructions.  'PSV Garuda Vega' and 'Kalki' have once again proved that.  I have imbibed this nature from him.  I have probably acted just like my parents in 'Dorasaani'.  They always advise me not to copy anybody.  They want me to be original.

Bonding within family

My father is proud that we produced his film ('Kalki') and also took care of the promotions.  Shivani handled post-production works strenuously.  We four in the family live like best friends.  We go out, eat together and chill out.  My friends are my parents' friends, too.  My friends happily discuss their problems with my parents.  It's pleasurable to carry forward Rajasekhar's legacy.  Since my parents never exert pressure on me, I am not stressed.  The audience have been showing immense love towards me and Shivani.  Yes, we four are going to do a film.  As of now, it's just an idea.

Attachment with sister

I and my sister are so much attached.  Right from when we were children, we used to tell each other what kind of roles suit us!  Shivani is immensely proud of 'Dorasaani'.