Sai Dhanshika reminisces about Pongal in Thanjavur

Most memorable Pongal: My most memorable Pongals are those I celebrated as a child in my native Tanjore. There was a huge playground opposite my house and people would gather there a day prior to Pongal, bringing their bulls. I would help them adorn the animals with ribbons and garlands. As a community, we made Sweet Pongal in earthen pots for distribution. My dad would play the drums on Bhogi day. Now, in Chennai, I see that everyone celebrates the festival in their own homes.

2020 started on a bright note for Sai Dhanshika as the actress bagged an award for her quirky role in the film Iruttu. The effervescent girl who is taking on an action avatar in a movie titled Yogi Da, talks to DC about a gamut of things including Pongal, her culinary expertise and Rajinikanth’s response when she visited him on the sets of Darbar.

On culinary skills:  My dad's mom would always keep me by her side in the kitchen, insisting that I learn to cook. I picked up my culinary skills from appayi and today, when my relatives say I cook excellently, I give all credit to her. I am fond of sweets and do make lovely pongal at home during Sankranti.

On role in Yogi Da: Even before doing Yogi Da, I was never typecast. I have done different roles and genres. I want to be identified as a versatile actress. Yogi Da is a great opportunity to do an action-oriented film. I am doing what I love. Fight sequences are not easy as I do them without a body double. My uncle is investing huge money in this film, and I feel the weight of it on my shoulders.

On Rajinikanth's reaction to her visit: We went to meet Rajinikanth at Ajmer on the sets of Darbar. He was happy to see me after a long time and the feeling was mutual. He is a positive person and a father figure to me. I had a couple of stunts sequences from Yogi Da on my phone. I showed them to him, and he seemed thrilled. He said he would pray for the success of the film. That's all I need.

On Women's Safety: It has always been an issue. From time to time we hear of crimes against women. We speak about them for a few days, including on social media, and then forget about them. What bothers me is the plight of the parents who lose their children. The men who commit such crimes roam free, they need to be punished severely so that they never even think of indulging in such heinous crimes again. I feel all girls and women should learn self-defence techniques (though it is not the only solution), as it will give them self-confidence.

Special Thanks: Kiron Kumar; The Park

Photographer:          A. R. Anser
Location:                  The Park Hotel, Chennai
Special Thanks:       Rajesh Radhakrishnan & Darshini Ashok
Make-up & Hair:      Jayanthi - studio colorz
Designer & stylist:   Swaadh by Swapnaa Reddy
Jewellery:                New Idea Fashions Jewellery