The lady & her muse

This pretty lass hails from a city known for its industries, especially the globally recognised Visvesvaraya Iron and Steel Plant founded by the Bharat Ratna awardee Sri M. Visvesvaraya. While she landed in Mysuru for her college studies, her interest in modelling made her shift careers. Now, she is making her television debut with Star Suvarna’s brand new serial Krishna Tulasi which is set to telecast from September 17. Model-turned-actress Priyanka who plays the protagonist Tulasi’s role, speaks to Bengaluru Chronicle on her telly debut, and much more.

“After my schooling, I came to Mysuru for my college education. As I was always fascinated with modelling, I made some efforts in the initial days to pursue modelling while studying plus two in Vidyashram College. It was a friend's sister for whom I did a small photo shoot during the launch of a luxury car, which pushed me to take it up seriously,” says Priyanka.

The actress further adds that she was later auditioned by an European agency, and got selected for various assignments.

“This is when I got a call from the serial makers asking me to audition for Krishna Tulasi. I had no idea how they managed to contact me, though I had done several assignments by then. I had very little knowledge about acting, but I got through and am learning the art while working,” she explains.

With two weeks of formal training from Usha Bhandari, Priyanka says she gained confidence to face the camera. “Along with my serial, I am also continuing my studies in BBA, and have been getting several good offers to work in serials even before the show was telecast. As this is my first venture, I want to concentrate wholly on this one, and complete it before taking up anything else.”

About her role in the serial, she reveals that unlike the typical televentures, this one is unique. She adds, “This one is not about the regular atte-sose or revenge sagas. It has all the elements of a commercial feature film, webbed around a relationship of a brother and sister. It even comes with a comic element. Also, unlike other serial heroes, the character I am playing opposite is a rough and tough guy by nature.”

Priyanka who juggles between study and work, loves to swim, and is hoping to take up acting full time, and not just modelling.