I'm doing things I've never done before: Regina Cassandra

She won the Wild Warrior Himalayan Adventure Race ‘30 for 30 Challenge’ in December 2020. She subsequently took up the challenge of cycling 100 kms from Hyderabad to Mehboobnagar. And a fortnight back, she won the first position in the women’s technical category in her first-ever stand-up paddling competition, organised by Surf Turf in Kovalam, Chennai. Regina Cassandra is an achiever, both on- and off-screen!

Adventure sports mean a lot to the actress. “I feel I am doing things in life that I haven’t done so far,” Regina beams. “I am trying finding my little joys and doing things that interest me. This is what I am, and I am glad that I have something to showcase. I say these are the things that made me what I am today,” she explains.

The Evaru star also points out that adventure sports sharpen the mind and produce positive vibes mentally and physically. “All these things (adventure sports) make me feel better, and also send a message that it is doable,” she adds.

At 30, Regina has several enviable achievements under her belt professionally and personally. So for an outside who has been in the industry for more than 16 years, what does life mean to her, we ask.

“Life is all about doing things you like and being surrounded by people you like,” she replies. Elaborating, Regina says, “I believe in leading a better life, in the right way. Your take on life depends on how prepared you are mentally.”

“Life is a roller coaster ride, and everyone has ups and downs, but it’s about how you deal with these ups and downs and come out of them. You should learn to often do things that make you feel good, and look out for exciting possibilities,” she adds.

But is her adventurous side changing the way she looks at scripts? “Not as such,” says Regina. “As an actor I am in that space where I can choose the script. I always want to keep trying new roles; it gives me a high.”

Asked what she didn’t have when she started the career, which the current crop of actresses have, the Nakshatram star says there are more opportunities available now.

“It’s easier to network; and with lines blurring between south and Hindi industries, it has become easier for girls to reach out to everyone,” she points out, adding that all the industries are constantly on the lookout for new talent.

“Back then there were only managers and the lifestyle was different. But now the emergence of several talent companies has made things more organised. I feel that’s a huge change in the last 10 years,” notes the Ra Ra Krishnayya star.

On the work front, Regina is travelling and shooting for multiple projects, including a Telugu film, Shakini Dakini (working title). The film, a remake of Korean film Midnight Runners, is directed by Sudheer Varma, and produced by Sunitha Tati.

Regina plays a trainee cop. “The film is an action-comedy, and I loved the original version when I saw it. I am super excited to play the role, and I have already shot for one schedule. It’s a fun and a different space to be in, and I am doing such a role for the first time,” she says.

And being the adventure-lover that she is, the actress understands what needs to be done to look the part. “We have action sequences, for which I need to train so that the sequences look natural and authentic. I am looking forward to it because such things push me as an actor,” she signs off.