Ishita Varsha on her sudden casting for Yellamma: I cut short my travel and landed on set of Udho Udho Shri Renuka Yellamma

Actress Ishita Varsha is currently winning hearts with her portrayal of Yellamma in the devotional television show Udho Udho Shri Renuka Yellamma. For the actress, this role hasn’t just been another project; it has arrived like destiny knocking on her door at the most unexpected moment.

Speaking to ETimes, Ishita revealed how the opportunity came her way in the most unplanned manner.

“It all happened in the blink of an eye. I was travelling when I received a call asking me to do a look test for the character. Since I wasn’t in town, I sent my pictures online. Things moved so fast that I ended up cutting my trip short and rushing back to begin the shoot. None of this was planned. One moment I was travelling, and the next moment, I was on set, ready to face the camera as Yellamma. It truly felt like destiny at work,” she shared.
With little time to prepare, the actress had to rely on instinct and inner readiness to step into the spiritually charged role.

“I barely had time to prepare. The team gave me a brief understanding of the character, and that was it. The language isn’t extremely bookish, so that helped. In fact, this role has become a blessing in disguise because I’m now gaining a stronger grasp of the language. More than anything, I prepare myself mentally before every shoot to stay true to the emotional depth and sanctity of the character,” she said.
The actress is particularly fond of Yellamma’s look, which she describes as subtle yet powerful.

“I absolutely love my look in the show. It’s simple and rooted—cotton sarees, silver jewellery, kohl-lined eyes. There’s a quiet grace in Yellamma’s appearance that instantly drew me in. The moment I saw the look, I prayed that I would get this role. There’s something about the way Yellamma is presented that feels pure and divine,” Ishita said with a smile.

She also pointed out how different this experience is compared to her previous roles in social dramas.

“In regular serials, there’s room to experiment with costumes, styling, and fashion depending on the scene. But here, consistency is everything, the look, the hair, the makeup, the body language. You can’t change much because the character carries a certain sanctity. That discipline has taught me a lot as an actor,” she explained.
Known largely for playing girl-next-door characters and occasional grey-shaded roles, Ishita says stepping into a semi-mythological space has been a transformative experience.

“People were used to seeing me as the relatable, everyday woman on screen. But now, even though it’s only been a few days of shooting, people come up to me and tell me that Yellamma is their deity and that they worship her. Hearing that is deeply humbling. This is new territory for me. As the story progresses and Yellamma is shown as a deity, I feel a huge sense of responsibility towards portraying her with sincerity and respect,” she shared.

Calling this one of the most fulfilling phases of her career, Ishita said the project has given her a sense of purpose she had been searching for.
“This has become a very special project for me. The sense of creative satisfaction I get here is on another level. It’s been many years since I felt this kind of fulfilment from my work. There was always this inner conflict about what I was doing and why I was doing it. But this role has changed something within me. I feel more aligned with my purpose as an actor. Playing Yellamma fills me with peace. It feels like my soul is finally content,” she said.

She also praised the positive atmosphere on the sets.

“Everything happening right now feels beautiful and soul-satisfying. The team, the cast, and the crew are amazing. There’s no negativity on set—just warmth, respect, and a shared sense of purpose. That kind of environment makes a huge difference to how you perform,” Ishita added.
While Ishith says she is spiritual in her own way, the role has deepened her desire to connect with the deity in real life.

“I do believe in God. I’m religious to an extent, though not overly ritualistic. But after taking up this role, I’ve felt a strong urge to visit the Saundatti Yellamma temple. I’m really looking forward to going there. I also have a feeling that this character will be a turning point in my career,” she said.

Reflecting on how the year has begun for her, the actress said 2026 has already brought her gratitude and growth.
“The start of 2026 has been beautiful for me. Just two months into the year, I’m filled with gratitude. Every day feels like a learning experience. This character is completely different from anything I’ve done before, and I’m excited to see what the future holds for me, with this show and beyond,” she signed off.