'Kaantha will define my image'

Ahead of Kaantha's release, Bhagyashri Borse opens up about the first film she signed on, preparation to get into Kumari's role, how she crafts her own space in industries, choosing the right scripts, and more

- NARAYANI M

KAANTHA'S Kumari was the first role that came to actor Bhagyashri Borse. As fate would have had it, she would go on to play Raajlaxmi Cariappa, Journalist Nayantara, Jikki, and Dr Madhu, before coming back to don Kumari's saree in Kaantha. Throughout this arduous journey of delays and reschedules, Kumari was present with her.

"I've lived with Kumari for so long that she's become a part of me. Honestly, I think she is me. Many of my own characteristics are in her," says Bhagyashri, about the period drama directed by Selvamani Selvaraj and starring Dulquer Salmaan, Rana Daggubati, and Samuthirakani.

While the delays caught her off guard and heartbroken, Bhagyashri feels the struggle was truly worth it. "There was a point when we honestly wondered, 'Is this film even going to happen?' We questioned everything," she recalls, adding, "But I believe it's all in God's timing. This film has been an important platform for me. In our industry, I feel women rarely get opportunities where they can completely express their potential. In Kaantha, I could show what I can do and how hard I'm willing to work for my role," she elaborates.

In this conversation ahead of the film's release this Friday, Bhagyashri shares what goes behind selecting her characters, why she fought for Kumari, the need for well-written female roles and more...

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