I feel like an outsider though I’m from a filmi family: Saathvika

Having had no new releases for the past five years, the actor has now returned with a brand new name, and is juggling diverse rolesActor Saathvika Rao, aka Shravya Rao, has been keeping a low profile since her last release Huccha 2. Now back with three films, she is busy juggling diverse roles.
It’s her change of name from Shravya to Saathvika that has left fans curious. “I met Sudeep sir during movie promotions, he mentioned the name Saathvika. I just went with his suggestion. I am super thrilled people like it,” says Saathvika
About having no release for over five years, she explains, “I can’t pinpoint what happened after Huccha 2. The outbreak of COVID 19 led to halts in shooting, despite getting projects immediately after restrictions were lifted, I did not have any release, I hope it turns around this year.”

Many roles to explore now
Happy to explore diverse roles now, she says, “Bang has an out-of-the-box subject. There are two teams – one looking to survive which I am part of, and another wanting to hunt them down – it keeps the content engrossing. Athi I Love You is an experimental with only two characters. The plot unravels the mindset of a female protagonist in 24 hours. In Mooda Kavida Vathavarana, I play the role of a girl next door.”
Working in multi-starrer Bang with Shanvi Srivastava and Raghu Dixit in lead roles, she pipes, “I used to discuss food when there was no shoot with Shanvi. Raghu Dixit was jovial and made us enjoy the work.”

‘I take up films I’m satisfied with’
Despite being director Om Prakash Rao and actress Rekha Das’s daughter, Saathvika doesn’t feel like she is from a filmi family. “I consider myself an outsider in the industry. If I think I am from a film background, I am putting pressure on myself. I don’t want to carry that baggage. I take up movies only after I am satisfied with the role,” Saathvika avers.
Films, as in life, are rife with ups and downs, as with her career trajectory. “I feel low when I give my all to a project, and it doesn’t get the recognition expected. If something is not working, I think it’s best not to lose hope, this helps me to keep going,” Saathvika wraps up.