Boom shika laka into Sandalwood

Acting might not have been her first choice as a career, but this pretty lass’ love for dancing led her into several talent-hunt competitions, and she always came out on top. For Ashika R, currently pursuing her second year BCom, fate decided that dance would help her step onto the silverscreen!

Ashika then bagged her first role with Crazy Boy directed by Mahesh Babu, who had earlier introduced several actresses who went on to become top Sandalwood heroines. She is also smiling as she ambles into three other super star films — Mugul Nage with Golden Star Ganesh, Leader with Dr Shivarjkumar, and Raju Kannada Medium with Guru Nandan. The actress speaks to Bengaluru Chronicle about her journey from studies, to dance and acting, which is now her greatest passion.

“I recently finished shooting for Raju Kannada Medium with Guru Nandan, who is back with the team of First Rank Raju, which completed 100 days of success and critical acclaim. Now, I will be leaving to Pondicherry in a day for the shooting of Mugul Nage which marks the comeback of two great personalities — Yograj Bhat and Golden Star Ganesh Sir. Thereafter, I will be portraying an important role in the multi-starrer Leader featuring Dr Shivarajkumar Sir. I could not have asked for more after my debut in Mahesh Babu Sir’s Crazy Boy,” says Ashika.

The actress who simply loved dancing, did various programmes, and then came that call that most actors await with bated breath — a director contacted her for a role in his film. “Photos of those events I had performed at helped me get offers. I was never keen on acting, but my parents insisted that I should at least give it a try as not many get such opportunities to act. Now, I just cannot think about anything other than films. It is my passion, and my only aspiration is to do good films, and explore my talent, irrespective of the kind of roles I get,” she says.

Shedding her glam avatar from Crazy Boy, Ashika accepted a village girl’s role in Raju Kannada Medium, which is her second film. “I know the shelf life of an actress, and my aim is to do roles with a difference. I do not mind playing either lead or second lead as long as the character plays an important part. In Raju Kannada Medium, I play a village girl in a story that takes a twist, and in Mugul Nage, my character is of great importance while in Leader, I play the role of Shivanna’s sister. I star opposite Telugu star Vamshi in Leader,” says Ashika.

An adventure lover, Ashika loves to spend time with family if she is not shooting or attending colleges. Working out in the gym between her shoots keeps her focused and motivated. “I plan to continue my studies. I might take up an MBA.

Apart from my parents, even my college and friends support my endeavours. But
I do feel more protected by my friends and loved ones post my filmy ventures, and I feel good about it, as along as I do not disappoint them,” she signs off before heading for her next class in MES College in Malleswaram.