Growing up in Chikmagalur, hers was a typical student existence, where she stayed away from home in hostels during school. After pursuing a degree in psychology and criminology, her interests in various forms of arts led her to travel to explore and learn more. First, she was a dance educator in a few residential schools, then she ventured into theatre, before auditioning for television. The versatile Ganavi Lakshman who almost tread a different path in life, had given up on her acting aspirations when through a quirk of fate the serial Magalu Janaki happened. A great opportunity that also marked the comeback of the renowned filmmaker and television personality TN Seetharam, Ganavi speaks to Bengaluru Chronicle about her journey from being an explorer of the arts to the Ganavi who essays the protagonist Janaki’s character in Magalu Janaki.
The serial which has been produced and directed by Seetharam airs on Colors Super on weekdays and it gave Ganavi her first chance to excel.
“I love travelling to explore and learn new forms of art. After my academics, dance intrigued me, and hence I took it up and eventually became a dance educator in residential schools. Later, theatre fascinated me though I never thought I would ever act. Once an artform excites me, I expand its influence by doing things around it, and this helps build my confidence. I have attended several workshops, and formal classes for instance, I learnt classical dance, which should be a prerequisite for any actor, be it Western or classical, and I learnt Kathak,” says Ganavi.
It is not just the arts, she likes exploring different genres to get closer to tradition, culture and life across the globe. “Some time ago, when in Pondicherry, I also got hooked to martial arts,” she smiles.
After attending an exclusive workshop by a renowned French filmmaker, her interest towards acting and theatre grew.
“Though I did some theatre, facing the camera was a different experience. I started enjoying the process of auditioning, including rejections! It was fun, as I continued with it before my interest wanned. Magalu Janaki happened right at that moment. I couldn’t have asked for more, especially with the kind of realistic subjects and the return of the legendary filmmaker,” Ganavi says.
Working under the direction of Mr Seetharam in her first serial, the dancer and actress had a memorable experience. “Sir (Seetharam) is so polite in his approach, and would instill faith in my work. There was never a hint of fear when acting alongside such a legend. Even my co-actors were so supportive, which helped me,” she adds.
Before wrapping up, Ganavi reveals that at present, acting is what excites her immensely and she hopes to look to broaden her horizons. “I would love to take up theatrical choreography which is way different from film choreography. As Janaki, I am loving the sombre act, which is slightly opposite to how I am in real life,” she signs off.
