Before Kamakshi Bhaskarla stepped in front of a camera, she was an MBBS student dissecting the anatomical inaccuracies of mainstream cinema. Reflecting on her unique journey, she remarks, "In hindsight, my medical training doubled as an unexpected crash course in method acting. The deep understanding of anatomy, psychology, and human behavior unexpectedly became one of my biggest strengths as a performer." However, her proudest achievement is not her filmography but the bold decision to leave a secure career path. "I had the guts to leave something comfortable and choose what truly fulfilled me. That choice is the biggest power anyone, especially women, can have," she asserts. In an intimate conversation, the Hyderabad native opens up about swapping medicine for the vulnerability of showbiz, defying conventional molds in Telugu cinema.
'Theatre Helped Me Understand Myself Before It Taught Me Acting'
Before entering films, Kamakshi's world revolved around Kuchipudi, Carnatic music, books, and medicine. While pursuing her MBBS, she simultaneously explored theater, an experience she credits with emotional and creative transformation. "I was constantly trying to prove myself during my days as a beauty pageant winner," she recalls. "Theatre gave me the space to understand myself instead of constantly seeking validation." This phase reshaped her perspective on success. "I never entered films thinking I wanted to become a conventional heroine. I just wanted to play characters where audiences feel emotionally connected and seen." Kamakshi completed her MBBS at Guangxi Medical University in China between 2011 and 2017.
'Being Empathetic and Understanding Human Behavior Helps Me Never Judge a Character'
Kamakshi believes her medical background provides an unusual advantage as an actor, especially in emotionally and physically demanding scenes. "As doctors, we know exactly how the body reacts to pain or injury," she explains. "When we watched films in college, my friends and I would giggle when someone moved or breathed unrealistically after getting injured." Her knowledge of anatomy helps her bring realism to performances. "We know which muscles stop functioning after certain injuries and how trauma affects movement. Even theatre actors study anatomy because the body carries emotion." But acting, she notes, "is not just about understanding the body; it is also about understanding people. Being empathetic and understanding human behavior helps me never judge a character. That's important if you want to perform honestly."
'In Dacoit, Malli Carried Trauma into Every Frame'
Discussing her recent release Dacoit, Kamakshi emphasizes the importance of understanding her character Malli's emotional journey to bring authenticity. "She carries trauma into every frame. Even when she's silent, there's emotional weight she's hiding," Kamakshi says. One particularly exhausting sequence involved attempted sexual abuse and a rescue scene. "The emotional pain was already there mentally, and the physical action added to it," she recalls. She credits Anurag Kashyap for his support during emotionally difficult scenes. "He beautifully helped me land the emotions correctly while I helped him with Telugu lines," she shares, calling their interrogation sequences among her most memorable moments from the shoot.
'I Have a Fulfilling Life Beyond Cinema'
Away from film sets, Kamakshi describes herself as introspective and curious. A voracious reader, trekker, astronomy enthusiast, and fitness lover who enjoys obstacle-course challenges, she consciously builds a life beyond the industry's constant pressure for visibility and success. "People often only see the actor or doctor side of me," she says. "But I paint, I travel, I work with NGOs, and I spend a lot of time reading." She particularly admires astronomer Carl Sagan, calling his worldview one of her biggest inspirations. "I'm happiest when I'm intellectually or creatively stimulated."
Talking about her next film, Agadha, Kamakshi says preparing for the role took her into a very different emotional and spiritual space. Her character, Mahadevi, "forced me to deeply understand faith and surrender. I researched spiritual practices and Buddhism while preparing," she explains, adding that her years living in China influenced her understanding of Buddhist philosophies.
