At 21, Rali Nanda has seven films to her credit as the lead actress in Oriya and Chhatisgarhi apart from four popular and half a dozen of advertisements for popular brands. And she bagged the Best Actress Award for the year 2008 at the recently held State Film Awards ceremony. She has also been an award winner young odissi dancer. Shyamhari Chakra spoke to her about her journey so far, awards and inspirations. Did you expect the award?Not at all. It was a pleasant surprise. But, I must say that I had worked very hard for Kalinga Putra with which I had my entry into cinema.Ever dreamt of being an actress?My entry into cinema was rather accidental. It was due to my proficiency in Odissi dance. The producer and director of Kalinga Putra were looking for an actress with a dance background and I fitted into their requirement.Five years and seven films in two industries later, how has been your experience?It has been a very smooth and satisfying journey so far. I work less as I care for the quality of the film and the kind of people I work with. I am also not very ambitious. I rather enjoy acting. For me, my acting and dance are my “puja” (offering to my Lord).Your most favourite character so far?Chutki in Akase Kiranga Lagila directed by Muralidharan. It was the character of an Odissi dancer. I could identify myself with the character in real life……..as if we were made for each other.How keen are you for the small screen?I am interested and offers are there. But, as a student (she just graduated in science) I can not spare the time required to shoot for a serial.What do you think are your strengths as an actress and in which areas would you require further improvement?My dance and my spontaneity in acting are my assets, I believe. I have to maintain myself by keeping fit through a strict exercise regime. In fact, an actress today has to take care of many aspects and learn many things – from driving to dancing and from swimming to fighting.You grew up as a dancer and won around 200 awards in dance competitions. Do you still practice?Ya I do. I must confess that Odissi is closer to my heart than cinema. Whatever I am today, is because of Odissi.
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