Harshaali describes herself as a natural performer, in the sense that she likes to keep her performance understated. Akhanda 2 is her most important release since Salman Khan's Bajrangi Bhaijaan, in which she played the cuddly-cute Munni. In this interview, the teen actress, who plays Nandamuri Balakrishna's daughter in the pan-Indian movie, talks about her character, working with a super-talented team, and more. The Class 12 student is studying Arts currently and plans to become a lead actress in the future.
Akhanda 2, directed by Boyapati Sreenu, is slated to hit the cinemas on December 5.
Janani is an intelligent girl. She is blessed by Akhanda and carries the story forward as a lead actor. As per the story, whenever Janani is in danger, Akhanda becomes her saviour.
Language was the most challenging aspect of doing this role. That said, Balakrishna sir, the director, and others helped me out with my lines. After Bajrangi Bhaijaan, a number of roles came my way. However, I was waiting for something exciting. During the intervening period, I focused on my academics and also learned Kathak, the dance form. I am quite happy that I got to do a major Telugu project as my second film. During the shoot, the director's encouragement meant a lot. He kept giving me feedback and boosted my performance at every turn.
Balakrishna sir is a down-to-earth person; he is energetic and unstoppable. I have watched many of his films, especially recent ones like Bhagavanth Kesari, Veera Simha Reddy, Daaku Maharaj, and Akhanda. The last of these was simply amazing. I usually watch Telugu movies in Hindi (dubbed ones). Among my recent ones are OG and Pushpa 2.
We shot in some locations where the temperature was minus degrees. Shooting in such cold places was very challenging. Also, I performed action stunts in this film. I participated in the shoot for about 55-60 working days. I also have combination scenes with Samyuktha Menon.
My favourite actors in Telugu, beside Balayya garu, are Allu Arjun and Prabhas. Besides the last two actors, I would like to work with Mahesh Babu. Working under the direction of Sanjay Leela Bhansali sir is my dream. I love the way he portrays heroines.
