I've never used my sister's influence to get work

I've never used my sister's influence to get work

... says Preetika Rao, who is happy about making it on her own as an actor

Sharanya CR

Though Preetika Rao was originally supposed to make her film debut with Rajendra Singh Babu's Kannada film "Rakthaksha", which was later shelved, she eventually debuted in Kollywood with "Chikku Bukku". She even headed to T-town with "Priyudu", opposite Varun Sandesh, and the film fetched her good reviews. And now, the actor is set to finally make her Sandalwood debut with "Rebel", opposite Aditya, who would have been her co-star in "Rakthaksha".
The actor, who has completed her first schedule for the film in Singapore, is very excited about the project. "Aditya was not convinced about the story of "Rakthaksha" and that's one of the reasons the project has been shelved. However, "Rebel" is a totally new script and is an action-based film. My role provides the romantic relief to the subject and it's been great shooting for the film so far," she says.
Preetika is comfortable working with multi-starrers as long as her role is convincing. She says, "The film industry has changed so much today. You can't be harping on the fact that you want to play the solo female lead. As long as my role is significant, I am game to do multi-starrers."
Having worked in three regional film industries, she finds the protocol of working for Sandalwood quite different. She says, "The manner in which the Kannada film industry works is different. But that doesn't mean I have reservations about working here. Sandalwood is on the verge of getting bigger and several young directors are bringing about that change. It's just a matter of time."
She also has an upcoming Telugu project in hand and is looking at making her Bollywood debut this year as well. ""Priyudu"'s success has paved the way for me in Bollywood. A few big banners have approached me and I totally love this phase," she says excitedly, adding, "I am glad about making this happen on my own. I've never used my sister's (actor Amrita Rao)
influe n c e to get work. Everything has happened for me without much planning. My Bollywood career, though, will be carefully planned. My gut feeling says that I will make a Hindi debut this year," she signs off.