In 2024, she achieved an impressive milestone with six film releases, a feat that is quite uncommon for an actress. Among these, two films were produced in different languages: "The Goat" in Tamil and "Lucky Bhaskar" in Telugu, both of which emerged as significant blockbusters. Earlier this January, she starred in the major Telugu hit for Sankranti, "Sankranthiki Vasthunam," which amassed over ₹250 crore at the global box office. Meenakshi Chaudhary, a rising star regarded as a fortunate emblem in Telugu cinema, expresses her joy while discussing her achievements. However, she acknowledges her sympathy for films that do not perform well, emphasizing that the ultimate judgment lies with the audience. In this exclusive interview with Hindustan Times, Meenakshi Chaudhary shares insights about her recent triumphs and her co-stars.

Your latest film with Venkatesh, Sankranthiki Vasthunam, is a blockbuster and done even better than Ram Charan’s Game Changer.

Sankranti undoubtedly represents a period when audiences eagerly anticipated the release of films, with numerous high-quality movies debuting. The competition during this time is intense, and our film was likely the least prominent among those released. While we were confident in the quality of our product, we did not foresee the remarkable box office success and the affection it received. As a team, we were elated. This experience clearly demonstrated that there is a strong demand for exceptional family films, which had been lacking in recent years or months.

2024 year was a fantastic year for you, wasn’t it?

I am profoundly grateful for the blessings I have received. Reflecting on my journey, I find it difficult to encapsulate my experiences in any term other than magical. I recognize that many others are equally deserving of the opportunities I have been afforded, yet I have been fortunate enough to occupy this position. Each project I undertook last year contributed significantly to my growth, and I believe this will enhance my development as an actor, ultimately manifesting in my future work.

Apparently, now you’re being called a lucky mascot.

I consider myself fortunate to have received numerous opportunities, as I firmly subscribe to the belief that what is destined for you will ultimately find its way to you. As an actor, I take great joy in the roles I have been fortunate enough to secure. The previous year marked a significant milestone in my professional journey. I am thankful that, early in my career, I had the chance to embody a variety of characters. Many individuals do not experience such diverse roles until they have accumulated several years of experience or reached a particular level of recognition.

What was the one thing you learnt working with Thalapathy Vijay on The GOAT?

His level of discipline is truly remarkable. I have never encountered anyone so dedicated to their craft and timing. Upon arriving on set, he would take a seat and maintain an impressive composure, remaining calm even amidst the surrounding chaos. He consistently retains the mental space of his character and the environment he inhabits. Outside of filming, he is entirely himself, which I find admirable. His ability to detach from the role while being fully immersed in it—giving 100% of himself—is commendable. Furthermore, he places complete trust in the director's vision, fully embracing it. Such a quality is rare among stars; typically, they offer their own input, so it was both refreshing and gratifying to witness his unwavering trust in the director.

And what about Mahesh Babu since you did Guntur Karam?

The number of scenes I participated in was limited, and the film occupied a distinct realm. However, the key lesson I gleaned from that set was the essence of commitment. The project extended over a protracted period, undergoing various changes along the way. It spanned more than a year, and I find Mahesh Babu's dedication to remain engaged with the project, complete it, and witness the final outcome to be exceptionally praiseworthy. I have observed many individuals abandon their efforts, yet Mahesh sir remained fully committed throughout.

What was most challenging for you in Lucky Bhaskar?

Assuming the role of a mother was a source of concern for me, as I feared that audiences might not embrace my portrayal of Sumathi if it lacked authenticity. It was important to me to do justice to the character of Sumathi, and I felt immense gratitude that the audience fully embraced her, as she truly deserved the entirety of the depth and characterization that was crafted for her.

It must have been different working with Dulquer Salmaan.

I have long aspired to participate in a Malayalam film. Although I have not yet had the opportunity, I have had the privilege of collaborating with an actor from that industry. Their approach to filmmaking is entirely distinct, and I have always held a deep admiration for it. One of the most remarkable aspects of DQ is his ability to incorporate elements that are not explicitly present in the scene. He consistently adds a unique touch to every moment, a practice I have endeavoured to adopt in my own projects. Furthermore, despite not being a native Telugu speaker, he takes the initiative to dub his own films. This inspired me to undertake dubbing for Sankranthiki Vasthunam. Such enthusiasm is undoubtedly contagious.

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