Manasa Varanasi, who was crowned Miss India 2021, is stepping into the world of cinema with her debut as a lead actress in the upcoming film *Devaki Nandana Vasudeva*. Alongside actor Ashok Galla, Manasa portrays the character of Satyabhama, a strong, mysterious woman from Vizianagaram in the commercial divine thriller.
Born in Hyderabad and raised in Malaysia due to her father’s work, Manasa initially pursued a traditional career path after completing her engineering. She worked in the corporate sector before her life took a dramatic turn when she won the Miss India title. “In two years, my life changed completely,” she reflects, recalling the whirlwind that followed her victory. Despite her initial success, acting was not her first choice. “I had many questions—should I continue with my corporate job, or should I pursue something new? Cinema has always been a passion, and I decided to explore this new world,” she says.
Her transition into the film industry was serendipitous. Manasa’s manager, Pushpa, connected her to the producer of *Devaki Nandana Vasudeva*, followed by the lead actor Ashok Galla and his family, marking the beginning of her acting career. “I’m grateful to be part of this film. Satyabhama is a courageous character who stands strong in any situation. Most of the film was shot in Vizianagaram, which gave me an authentic connection to the role,” Manasa shares.
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Although many Miss India winners have turned to Bollywood after their crowning, Manasa’s focus was initially on preparing for the Miss World competition. She worked closely with the Telangana government on initiatives related to child safety and women’s development during her tenure. “My priority was preparing for Miss World. It was a hectic schedule, but I remained committed,” she explains.
When it comes to the differences between the beauty pageant world and the film industry, Manasa notes that while there is a certain grace required in walking the ramp, acting involves a different set of skills. “There’s a grace in walking at Miss India, but acting in front of the camera requires a different body language and style,” she says. Despite receiving multiple offers post-crowning, she was hesitant about entering films, but it was after her Miss World experience that she decided to pursue acting seriously.
To prepare for her new role, Manasa attended acting workshops, including a 10-day crash course at Adishakti Theatre in Pondicherry. “The workshop boosted my confidence and taught me a lot about the craft,” she says. However, she admits that the transition from pageant to acting wasn’t without its challenges. “Body language is different in front of the camera, and I had to learn to be uninhibited. Getting into a role quickly and leaving it behind after the shoot is another challenge. But I enjoy these creative hurdles,” she shares.
Despite the glamour of her fame, Manasa remains grounded. “The moment Miss India happened, my family and I had to adjust to a new public life. Our lives are no longer private, and I’ve learned to manage that balance,” she reflects.
Looking ahead, Manasa is determined to carve out a successful career in cinema. “I’ve already signed another film with Santosh Sobhan, and the shooting is underway,” she reveals. She is also keen to expand her career into multiple languages. “I’m learning Tamil and would love to do a Tamil film. I’m particularly interested in romantic comedies and mystery thrillers, but I’m open to exploring different genres and opportunities,” she concludes. With a clear vision for her future and a strong desire to make her mark, Manasa Varanasi is ready to shine in both cinema and beyond.
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