Dancing her way to glory

Ondu mug nalli haalu…, a popular television advertisement reminds the Kannada audience of a model with a beautiful smile, who has featured in several such popular ones till date. A passionate dancer since her childhood, who is also  a yoga practitioner, Ragini Chandran happens to be the wife of actor Prajwal Devaraj, fondly known as dynamic prince in Sandalwood. Model turned actress, Ragini  who makes her debut in the Kannada movie Inspector Vikram in a special appearance, sharing the screen space with her actor husband. Ragini talks to Bengaluru Chronicle about her special debut movie venture along with her other talents as a model, dancer, fitness trainer and more.

“I have been modelling for quite some time, being the face of popular cosmetic products and several television ads till now, but never had I tried my hands at facing the camera for a movie. I had recently been part of a short film called Rishabhapriya. Though, a lot of movie offers came along through Prajwal, none excited us to be part of such ventures. This is special as Vikyath, the director of Inspector Vikram approached me directly. It is indeed special as I share the screen with Prajwal,” says Ragini.

A dancer since her childhood, Ragini explains that she started dancing from the age of four, as it was her parents who instilled the passion in her to embrace dance. “In simple words dance is life for me. I initially learnt Bharatanatyam, and then various forms of dance. Been a regular in Nirupama and Rajendra’s dance team. Prior to that I was part of Shiamak Davar classes. Now, with our our unique dance studio, we teach dance along with fitness,” she adds.

Also, a trained Zumba trainer, Ragini talks about her special role in Inspector Vikram, adding that the real life chemistry worked really well when performing for the limited scene. “In fact, I was nervous while facing the camera. It’s completely different from shooting a TV ad where I mostly shoot alone.”

On how she manages to multitasking, Ragini  believes that if one loves his/her work and does it with passion everything becomes easy to manage. “Off course, it was my parents back then and now my in-laws who are my backbone and support all my endeavours. Fortunately, I have never gone in search of work whereas it has always come my way. Hence, teaching, practicing dance and fitness has become an great part of life,” she says.

Further, Ragini reveals that she even worked in a corporate for while before she realised that her heart lies in dance and modeling, she soon started giving her time accomplishing in the field of art.

“Even after marriage, dance has been a regular part of my life, and now the dance studio wherein we teach students from across all ages. Dance makes life happy, and nobody can be sad when dancing. Even myself and Prajwal make sure to practice fitness on a regular basis,” Ragini shares, adding that though Prajwal is an adventure loving person who frequents on his swanky bike, “I just cannot sit for long on a bike but we spend time together for fitness and recently started learning salsa together.”

Ragini signs off by saying that dynamic family which is busy with various activities, makes sure to have on meal together  with her husband, and sometimes plays scrabble or even chats with Prajwal whenever they get time together.