‘I didn't have much work, so out of the blue I sent him a random DM’: Rukmini recalls early days

Rukmini Vasanth has eclipsed another high in her career with her portrayal of princess Kanakavathi in Kantara: Chapter 1.

The ace actor, who hails from Sandalwood and is still at a nascent stage in her career, has acted alongside current superstars such as Yash, Rishab, and Rakshit. By now, Rukmini needs no further validation as the most sought-after young heroine in the Kannada film industry; she has earned that status.

While speaking at the India Today Conclave South 2025, the actor recalled how she landed her role in what was actually her second film, Sapta Sagaradaache Ello — a crucial film in her career.

"I would say I was piggybacking on a great team coming together to produce an emotional and intense film," the actor said.

It was also a formative experience. "Cinema is essentially make-believe, but when people engage with fiction with so much heart, it moves you as an artist. That’s a feeling I will always remember."

She did not mince her words about her breakthrough film. "When people pour so much heart into fiction, it moves you as an artist," Rukmini said.

Reflecting on her early days in the industry, she added, "Back then I didn't have much work; I was actually looking for a complex, challenging role."

In the conversation, Rukmini revealed that the director of Sapta Sagaradaache Ello, Hemanth Rao, had clearly communicated to her from the very beginning that his film was not a "heroine-type" film but an "actress-type" film. "It wasn't about superficiality — it was about the soul of the character," the actor explained.

It was all unforeseen. "I will give credit to Hemanth Rao for entertaining a random DM. Yes — one day, out of the blue, I sent him a DM conveying my wish to audition." Life is a strange game: today Rukmini serves as an inspiration for millions of girls trying to make their way into the film industry on their own merit.

Having studied acting at the Royal Academy of Acting in the UK, Rukmini is treading a bold and independent path that is equally awe-inspiring. (With inputs from Agencies)