When Bhagyashri Borse made the move from Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar, formerly known as Aurangabad, to the bustling world of Tollywood, she faced a challenge bigger than just a new career. She stepped into an industry where she did not speak the language. Today, she is emerging as a promising talent with projects like Mr. Bachchan, Kingdom, Andhra King Taluka, and the Tamil-Telugu bilingual Kaantha. As she gears up for her next film, Lenin with Akhil Akkineni, Bhagyashri opens up about her unique journey.
Conquering Language and Culture in South Indian Cinema
Growing up in Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar, Bhagyashri had minimal exposure to Telugu or Tamil films. Her entry into South Indian cinema meant adapting to entirely new linguistic and cultural landscapes. "Before my south film debut, I couldn't speak Telugu or Tamil," she admits. Her learning process was deliberate; she began watching Telugu movies to grasp their rhythm and style. This dedication continues with her upcoming work. "With Lenin and other projects, I'm learning Telugu every day. Now I can manage basic conversations and understand Tamil," she shares.
Her role as Kumari in the period drama Kaantha demanded a deep understanding of 1950s Madras. To portray a Burmese refugee authentically, Bhagyashri immersed herself in the cinema of that era. She studied the legendary Savitri's films for emotional depth and old classics to master the specific accents and mannerisms. "The research helped me embody the gentle innocence of Kumari, a character who believes in the world's goodness. It reminded me to hold on to my own innocence," she reflects.
The Personal Process of Building a Character
For Bhagyashri, preparation is an intimate and detailed process that goes beyond the script. She maintains a personal diary dedicated to mapping out her characters' lives. "I write about where they come from, their past experiences, and how they would react in various situations," she explains. This method allows her to forge a strong emotional connection. While she doesn't label herself a full method actor, this technique provides her with a clear, internal picture of who she is portraying, ensuring her performances are rooted in genuine understanding.
Choosing Roles That Empower Women On-Screen
Bhagyashri's approach to selecting projects has evolved with her experience. Her primary criterion is now the structural importance of the female character within the narrative. "I prefer scripts where the story genuinely needs the female character—where removing her would make the plot fall apart," she states. Her focus is squarely on finding roles that are not only challenging for her as an actress but also give women a substantial and authentic voice on screen. This maturity in choice reflects her commitment to meaningful storytelling.
From overcoming language barriers to meticulously crafting characters and seeking out empowering roles, Bhagyashri Borse is thoughtfully carving her niche. Her journey from Maharashtra to the heart of Telugu cinema is a testament to her resilience and dedication to her craft.
