Ahead of the release of the film Gangs of Godavari, actress Neha Sshetty interacted with us about her journey, from childhood aspirations to her admiration for Sridevi’s iconic rain dances.
K. Ramya Sree
In Indian cinema, the legacy of mesmerising rain sequences once belonged to the iconic Sridevi. Today, that mantle is being carried forward by none other than Neha Sshetty, whose consecutive chart-topping rain songs have captivated audiences nationwide.
As Neha gears up for the much-anticipated release of her upcoming film Gangs of Godavari, starring alongside Vishwak Sen, excitement is very high. Sharing the screen with acclaimed actress Anjali, Neha reflects on the camaraderie and positive energy fostered on set, enhancing the overall filming experience.
Bankrolled by Sithara Entertainments and helmed by director Krishna Chaitanya, Gangs of Godavari promises to be a cinematic extravaganza spanning multiple genres, with a release date set for May 31st. Ahead of the film’s debut, Neha sat down with us to discuss her journey, from childhood aspirations to her admiration for Sridevi’s iconic rain dances.
Beginning with her character in the film, she shared, “I play Bujji in Gangs of Godavari. She is a beautiful, elegant, and vulnerable girl, yet surprisingly strong. Set against the backdrop of the 1990s, the film explores Bujji’s transformation into a resilient woman amidst village life. Our director drew inspiration from veteran actress Sobhana, ensuring authenticity in every aspect of the character.”
Reflecting on the misconceptions surrounding the film’s premise, Neha clarifies, “Despite what the trailer may suggest, Gangs of Godavari offers a balanced blend of romance, thriller, comedy, and emotion. Our director, Krishna Chaitanya, drew from personal experiences, infusing authenticity into every frame.” Filmed primarily in Rajahmundry, Neha fondly recalls the warmth and hospitality extended by the locals, creating cherished memories both on and off-screen. She shared, “People in Rajahmundry were very welcoming. We had great food. Everyday we had different types of food coming from different households.”
Embracing her newfound moniker as “Radhika,” inspired by Shah Rukh Khan’s iconic character, Neha humbly acknowledges the audience’s adoration for her on-screen persona. In her words, she shared, “Like how Shah Rukh Khan has “Badshah”, I got Radhika very early in my career. Being called Radhika just makes my day. The audience liked the character so much, that’s why they call me that.”
She added, “I was 5 years old when I decided I would become an actress. I love dancing. I’ve always wanted to be an actress since I was a child.”
Asked about being called the new rain dance queen of Tollywood, the DJ Tillu star expressed, “When it comes to rain songs, Sridevi remains unparalleled. Now people are giving me compliments for my rain songs, and I am very happy about it. I have been lucky with songs. I am thankful to my directors that I am getting such songs.”
Furthermore, about her roles in all her films where she is seen mostly in sarees, Neha expressed, “Scripts are coming in which I have to wear a saree. When I came to the industry, I was much younger, and I wasn’t even sure if I liked wearing a saree, but today I am very comfortable wearing a saree.”
With a discerning eye for future projects, Neha remains committed to delivering engaging narratives, mindful of the shifting dynamics in post-pandemic cinema. “I have one upcoming film with Bellamkonda Srinivas that is yet to start, directed by Saagar Chandra. I am being selective with my movies now. I feel that after COVID, audiences are not coming to theatres much, and I want to give them something interesting for my films,” concluded Neha on a fun-filled note.
