‘Kantara: Chapter 1’: Rukmini Vasanth recalls anxiety of playing a negative role early in her career with the Rishab Shetty starrer

Actor Rukmini Vasanth surprised the audience with her impactful role in Rishab Shetty's starrer ‘Kantara: Chapter 1’, where her character initially appeared to be a traditional princess but was actually a manipulative Kanakavathi. Recently, she shared her experience of feeling anxious while taking on a negative role early in her career. She said the decision came with fear and self-doubt, as the industry often expects young actresses to fit into a fixed idea of a “traditional heroine.”

Fear of stepping into grey roles early

In an interview with The Hollywood Reporter, Rukmini Vasanth shared that she was nervous about how her character would be perceived. She said that in the initial phase of an actor’s career, there is an unspoken rule about not stepping into grey or negative roles. "I was very anxious about the fact that she turns out to be a negative character. In the early stages, you don’t really delve into the grey. There’s this idea of what a traditional heroine should be, the values she should embody, and where in the film you’re meant to exist," she said.

Worry about future opportunities

The ‘Sapta Sagaradaache Ello’ actress felt that such choices could affect future opportunities in her way. She said that there is always a worry about being judged too soon or being limited to certain roles later.

Calling it the “nice girl” fallacy, Rukmini Vasantha said actors are often told that experimentation should come much later. She added that once someone has done a wide range of roles, only then are they advised to take risks. In early years, however, stepping into the grey zone feels unsafe and frightening.



Speaking about her finally working in the film once one has signed the film. “You're either fully immersed in the world of the film, or you're thinking, 'Oh, there's a leech on my foot. Those are the two realities," she said.

However, the response to her performance changed her outlook. She shared how she was relieved and happy that the audience noticed her range. and loved both sides of the roles. She shared that people appreciated both sides of her performance and did not expect her to stick only to “good girl” roles.

What’s next for Rukmini Vasanth

On the current work front, Rukimini Vasanth is expected to be working with Jr NTR and Prashanth Neel on their upcoming film, rumored to be named ‘Dragon’.