Dancer Aruna Bhikshu talks of her Ante Sundaraniki experience, being director Vivek Athreya’s lucky charm

Director Vivek Athreya in his very first film, Mental Madhilo, introduced a very unlikely actor in prominent Hyderabad-based Kuchipudi danseuse Aruna Bhikshu. He made terrific use of her screen presence as the haughty Mumbai house owner in the film and unsurprisingly made her a part of his next two films too - Brochevarevarura and this week’s release Ante Sundaraniki.

In Ante Sundaraniki, Aruna Bhikshu plays the grandmother to Sundar (Nani) in an extremely conservative family. Earlier this week, she shared her experience on being part of team Ante Sundaraniki. She says it was an experience of a lifetime to have played Kasthuri Rajeswari, the beloved Bamma of protagonist Sundar Prasad.

“Ante Sundaraniki is an opportunity that I didn’t expect would come my way,” Aruna states. She calls it a pleasure to have associated with the likes of actors Nani, Naresh, Rohini, Nazriya Fahadh, Nadhiya, Alagar Perumal, director Vivek Athreya and cinematographer Niketh Bommi. Aruna mentions that their their styles, technique and unique bodies of work enriched the filming process.

The film was a huge learning experience, she mentions on a parting note. She is indeed a lucky charm and a constant in director Vivek Athreya’s career. The teaser and the trailer promises she’ll have a sparkling role in the film that will impress film goers. Ante Sundaraniki, with music by Vivek Sagar, is produced by Y Ravi Shankar and Naveen Yerneni under Mythri Movie Makers.