Naidu Presented Me The Book, After Watching Natyam: Sandhya Raju

Well-known as a renowned Kuchipudi dancer, Sandhya Raju is is also a businesswoman, actor, choreographer, costume designer, model and producer. She is now getting ready for the release of her first Telugu film Natyam directed by Revanth Korukonda due for release on 22nd of this month.

Sandhya Raju says she did the film Natyam, so that the art will reach to maximum people. “Although I gave nearly 1000 programs, over a time I realized that, only a set of people are coming every time. With Natyam short film, we could inspire many people. We understood the power cinema, so that we are coming up with a good film.”

She informs she didn’t watch many Telugu films in her childhood. “I like sports and I also went to learn classical dance. There was no cinema atmosphere in my family.”

Sandhya Raju affirms the film is a blend of 2-3 different stories. It tells the story of a guru-shishya, you will see a classical dancer’s track and a western dancer’s track. It also has a love story. It tells the story of a fictional village called Natyam. Though the film doesn’t have fights, it is narrated in a commercial format.”

Natyam has got support of many celebrities. Sandhya informs Venkaiah Naidu, Vice President Of India, watched the film in Delhi and he liked it completely. “Venkaiah Naidu garu wanted to watch only 5 mins of the film, as he has back problem. But he watched entire movie. He called me to his office the next day, and wrapped a shawl around my shoulders in front of Indian flag, and also presented me a book called “Inspirational Women Of Telangana Culture”. He gave good support.”

She says Chiranjeevi didn’t watch the film, though he watched songs and trailer.

As is known, Sandhya Raju’s is a big business family. “My family didn’t discourage my interests. They thought it was hobby thing, when I went to learn classical dance. They didn’t know, I had such passion for dance. Fortunately, my husband and my in-laws too encouraged me.”

The actress says music was very instrumental for the film. “I choreographed most of the songs. First song, I tried Kuchipudi and Bharata Natyam style. The second song, as Charan said it looked like Baahubali song. It’s a total CG setup. It narrates a story. Kathak and South Indian folk styles are mixed for it.”

She says it was really difficult for her to handle many responsibilities for the film. “The toughest part for me was bringing the film to theatres, after completing all the works.”

There are 4 main characters in the film, including Sandhya Raju’s. “Kamal Kamaraju played a classical dancer, while Rohit Behal played a western dancer. You will see dynamic between the three characters. Aditya Menon played a positive and inspiring character.”

Sandhya Raju says she won’t do commercial movies. “I don’t do films for market, heroes etc. I will only do inspiring and films that have scope to win awards.”