After the success of Kannada film Vedha, Ganavi Laxman has become a name to reckon with! Directed by Harsha, the Shivaraj Kumar-starrer featured Ganavi as the leading lady. The action drama was such a big hit in Kannada that the makers are bringing it to Telugu audiences.
“After the shooting, my lensman Swami J Gowda said the film would be a landmark one. I am glad it has indeed become one,” shares Ganavi.
The actress, who is also quickly wrapping up another Telugu film Rudhrangi, was a dance teacher earlier. She comes from an artistic family. “I am a nature lover and a keen observer. I’m inspired by the changes happening in nature, and try to compose dance movements accordingly,” says Ganavi.
But how did this dance teacher get into showbiz, we ask? “Having taught dance for a few years, I wanted to see what else I could do. I came from Chikmagalur to Bengaluru to do musical theatre. While meeting artistes I found an opportunity to be part of an ad commercial. I loved being in front of the camera,” she reveals, adding that she then decided she wanted to get into showbiz.
Ganavi started auditioning for films, including the blockbuster Kirik Party (2016), directed by Rishab Shetty of Kantara fame. “I did well, but I wasn’t selected. I was so upset with that rejection and Rishab Shetty that I was determined to become an actress and prove them wrong,” she reveals. She kept auditioning until she landed a television opportunity. Ganavi was cast in the soap opera Magalu Janaki (2018). It became a big hit and she never looked back.
She says auditions helped her understand several things and the finer points filmmakers look for in an actor.
Her biggest validation came when the same Rishab Shetty cast her in his production Hero (2021). She was naturally thrilled, but the first thing she did was ask Rishab why he hadn’t cast her in Kirik Party despite giving a good audition. “He replied that I was too good for that role, and he did not want to cast a talented actress like me in such a small role. That made my day. Till then I was under the misconception that he was not happy with my audition, but I realised how sweet he is only after working with him,” reveals Ganavi.
