‘Change in mentality’ towards Ollywood films is necessary: Actress Sivani Sangita

During an interview with Celebrity Club, Ollywood actress Sivani Sangita said, “Be it about the Industry people or the audience, something we all need is ‘change in mentality’ on both sides. If Ollywood people focus on content-based movies without compromising on quality and the audiences change their perceptions regarding the Industry and watch more and more Odia movies, then the Industry will definitely grow.”

“People usually ask me if I try for roles in other regional film industries. Why would I go for them when I have a strong team here! I would rather give my best efforts here and bring out the best in my Industry. I personally want to see Ollywood at a position where people from the contemporary regional film industries approach to collaborate with our Industry. I really wish that happens soon,” Sivani narrated.

The youngest actress, who is well known for her performances in ‘Oh Sunayana’, ‘Nagin Nagin’, ‘Sunjara Sunjara’ songs, stepped into the world of Odia films in the year 2006. She started her acting career in TV serials like Uttaradai, Devi and Badhu as a child actor.

Sivani also worked in big banner films as a child artist. Some of the movies she was a part of are- ‘Mita re Mita’, ‘Pahili Raja’, and’Good Boy ’, ‘Mita Basichi mu Bhuta Sathire’ and ‘Lekhu Lekhu Lekhi Deli’. She got her first break as a lead actress in ‘Sister Sridevi’ opposite Babushan in the year 2017. Later she paired opposite Anubhav Mohanty in ‘Prem Kumar’, with Arindam in ‘Babu Bhaijan’.

“Among all the TV serials and movies I have done as a child actor till date, acting in serial ‘Devi’ turned out to be a tough one for me. As it was more into history and the dialogues were in pure Sahitika Odia, coming from an English medium schooling background, everything was new for me. I used to read and practice from the ‘Chabira Madhu Barnabodha’ book and my mother and my director used to teach me every day so I could remember the dialogues from the script and deliver them correctly,” said the actress.

“Acting in Devi was quite difficult for me but I loved it a lot when people recognised me as Devi and praised me for the role. Nevertheless, I learnt different shades of acting as a lead actress,” Sivani added.

The young actress further said, “I am glad that I got a chance to work with great directors like Ashok Pati, Tapas Sargharia and Chandi Parija in my movies.”

After working in a number of TV serials and movies, Sivani was asked if she had plans for web series. Having a soft corner for singing, the actress said, “My favourable zone is different, a web series which touched my heart is ‘Bandish Bandits’. If I get something like that, be it music or dance type unique content or something revolutionary on women-oriented, I will definitely go for it.”

Being the daughter of a Merchant Navy officer, Sivani had the chance to explore more than 30 countries during her childhood. “When I get a break from studies and acting, I enjoy travelling with my family. Going for a world tour is in bucket list, ” the young actress said.

Sivani later narrated, “Earlier, I didn’t get much time to explore Odisha. Since the last two years, me and parents have decided to cover each and every beautiful corner of the state. Recently we visited Bitarkanika, Tara Tarini Temple in Berhampur, Chilika, Sambalpur.. ”

Like her acting skills, Sivani is quite excellent in her studies. After completing her Class 10th and higher studies in DPS (Delhi Public School), Bhubaneswar, she is now pursuing her bachelors in Journalism at KIIT University.

” Although I don’t get much time for self-studies, whenever I do, I read mindfully. That, I guess, is the reason my studies never got hampered. In fact, it’s quite balanced,” said the actress.

Apart from her busy schedule, Sivani loves shopping, dancing, singing. She also helps her mom in the kitchen in her leisure time.

When asked about her favourite dishes, Sivani said, “I love to gulp both homemade and junk foods. Of course, as an actress I have control over my diet still, I enjoy all kind of foods. My mother takes good care of my diet and cooks all my favourite dishes with less oil and masala. Dishes like dalma, Pakhala, badi chura and boondi raita are some of my favourites.”

Be it her shooting sets or any stage of life, Sivani’s Nani (maternal grandmother) always stays with her like a shadow and motivates her in her life. “My Nani always guides and supports me and shows me the right path to succeed in my career,” she said.

Sivani will be next seen opposite Actor Swaraj Barik in her upcoming movie, ‘Dil Mora Manena’.

Interview Conducted by Pratika Priyadarshini