Varshini Suresh drives through challenges in and as ‘Auto Vijayashanti’

Actor Varshini Suresh has had a successful transition — from the field of Information technology to television, which are as different as chalk and cheese. The former database developer with Cognizant is now an accomplised small screen actor, as proved by her role in Auto Vijayashanti on Zee Telugu and as Thulasi in Magale en Marumagale on Star Vijay.

Sibling drama

Rooted in the rhythms of everyday life, Auto Vijayashanti , a remake of Tamil serial Veera, revolves around family responsibilities and sibling bonds. The drama focuses on a challenging phase when two sisters, Vijayashanti and Durga (played by Varshini and Sandra), navigate life after their brother’s death. Varshini breaks the glass ceiling by driving her brother’s auto to support the family. “It is a challenging but an exciting role,” she says.

Varshini, a native of Coimbatore in Tamil Nadu, did not plan a career in showbiz until Instagram reels created an opportunity. Talking about her debut serial Nee Naan Kaadhal on Star Vijay, she says: “They approached me saying the reels were cute and my expressions were good.”

Obviously, she was initially shocked with the acting offer but said yes to fulfil her teenage dream to be like her favourite actors Samantha and Nayanthara. “I believed the Universe gave me opportunities and I pursued them with passion,” says Varshini.

Audition disappointments

Her first audition for Nee Naan Kaadhal was filled with disappointments but director Rajan Sundaram built her confidence and mentored her. “The casting directors had given up on me but Rajan sir became my acting teacher and patiently guided me. I have come this far in the television industry only because of him.”

She finds the traits in her character Vijayashanti a lot different from hers in real life. “The character is emotionally strong, bold, responsible and has more patience than anyone else in the family. While I am financially independent and a breadwinner for my family, I am emotionally vulnerable and hardly have patience,” she says with a laugh.

For someone who knows only to drive a Scooty, playing an autodriver came with many challenges. While shooting at a busy junction in Tirupati, she almost lost control and was about to hit a car. “I was lucky to have escaped an accident. Executive producer Varun garu helped me to handle the steering. It was a bit scary but the ride was also adventurous.”

Busy travelling between Hyderabad and Chennai for television shoots, Varshni now does not have time to upload Instagram reels or continue her interest in poetry. “During COVID, I found writing a powerful outlet for my emotions but now shoots keep me occupied.”

Warmth in the city

Hyderabad, she says, is home away from home, offering her a feeling of comfort. “Initially I made a new journey from Coimbatore to Chennai and from there now to Hyderabad. I was nervous in the beginning as I didn’t know the language but now I have experienced the warmth in the city. People are lovable and co-artistes are like family.”

Auto Vijayashanti airs on Zee Telugu from Monday to Friday at 9.30pm