<p>Accomplished danseuse Ragini Chandran is debuting as an actor in the Kannada film industry, with a short film titled ‘Rishabhapriya’, slated to release in early August. Ragini, who is primarily trained in kathak, later ventured into zumba in a big way. She says that acting was never on the cards but when a script that perfectly fit into her tight schedule came her way, she just went ahead. In an interview with Nina C George, Ragini talks about how she plans to take forward her love for dance and acting.<br /><br />What made you sign ‘Rishabhapriya’?<br /><br />I’ve been modelling for the last three-and-a-half years now. Movie offers have always been coming my way but I’ve never felt the urge to take them up because acting was never on my mind. ‘Rishabhapriya’ is a short film with an interesting subject. It perfectly fit into my schedule.<br /><br />What made you choose a short film to make a debut in the Kannada film industry?<br /><br />I am essentially a dancer and I run my own dance studio. I am not taking up any project with a long schedule. The shooting for this short film wrapped up in just three days, so I agreed.<br /><br />Tell us more about ‘Rishabhapriya’.<br /><br />‘Rishabhapriya’ also happens to be the name of a ‘raaga’. The story revolves around Rishab and Priya. These two characters make their decisions based on their passion but life offers them something else.<br /><br />Did Prajwal help you finalise the script?<br /><br />Prajwal was the first one to listen to the script. He found it to be an interesting one and told me that this project would be a good learning experience.<br /><br />Will we see you working in more films?<br /><br />I have nothing planned but if something good comes my way, then why not!<br /><br />Why don’t Prajwal and you act together?<br /><br />I would definitely love to act with Prajwal. We have been offered a couple of scripts but nothing was worth taking up.<br /><br />How do you stay fit?<br /><br />I dance for about six to eight hours a day and that keeps me fit. Thanks to dance, I haven’t entered a gym till date. <br /><br />Dance to you is...<br /><br />Dance is an art and I believe in art. I believe in connecting with people through this medium.<br /><br />How has the dance scene changed in Bengaluru?<br /><br />There are more and more passionate young dancers who are looking forward to making a career in dance. Youngsters are not looking at it as a hobby anymore.<br /><br />Has marriage changed anything?<br /><br />Marriage has only made things better for me. My in-laws are very supportive and Prajwal, being by my side, has helped me grow.<br /></p>
<p>Accomplished danseuse Ragini Chandran is debuting as an actor in the Kannada film industry, with a short film titled ‘Rishabhapriya’, slated to release in early August. Ragini, who is primarily trained in kathak, later ventured into zumba in a big way. She says that acting was never on the cards but when a script that perfectly fit into her tight schedule came her way, she just went ahead. In an interview with Nina C George, Ragini talks about how she plans to take forward her love for dance and acting.<br /><br />What made you sign ‘Rishabhapriya’?<br /><br />I’ve been modelling for the last three-and-a-half years now. Movie offers have always been coming my way but I’ve never felt the urge to take them up because acting was never on my mind. ‘Rishabhapriya’ is a short film with an interesting subject. It perfectly fit into my schedule.<br /><br />What made you choose a short film to make a debut in the Kannada film industry?<br /><br />I am essentially a dancer and I run my own dance studio. I am not taking up any project with a long schedule. The shooting for this short film wrapped up in just three days, so I agreed.<br /><br />Tell us more about ‘Rishabhapriya’.<br /><br />‘Rishabhapriya’ also happens to be the name of a ‘raaga’. The story revolves around Rishab and Priya. These two characters make their decisions based on their passion but life offers them something else.<br /><br />Did Prajwal help you finalise the script?<br /><br />Prajwal was the first one to listen to the script. He found it to be an interesting one and told me that this project would be a good learning experience.<br /><br />Will we see you working in more films?<br /><br />I have nothing planned but if something good comes my way, then why not!<br /><br />Why don’t Prajwal and you act together?<br /><br />I would definitely love to act with Prajwal. We have been offered a couple of scripts but nothing was worth taking up.<br /><br />How do you stay fit?<br /><br />I dance for about six to eight hours a day and that keeps me fit. Thanks to dance, I haven’t entered a gym till date. <br /><br />Dance to you is...<br /><br />Dance is an art and I believe in art. I believe in connecting with people through this medium.<br /><br />How has the dance scene changed in Bengaluru?<br /><br />There are more and more passionate young dancers who are looking forward to making a career in dance. Youngsters are not looking at it as a hobby anymore.<br /><br />Has marriage changed anything?<br /><br />Marriage has only made things better for me. My in-laws are very supportive and Prajwal, being by my side, has helped me grow.<br /></p>