From a small-town girl with big dreams to a fast-rising name across industries, Bhagyashree Borse is carving her own space in South cinema one film at a time. With a background in Business Management and an unexpected entry into the world of acting through modelling, Bhagyashree’s journey has been anything but conventional. After making her presence felt with Hindi cameos in films Chandu Champion, she transitioned seamlessly into South cinema, earning attention for her performances in Telugu and Tamil films, including Mr Bachchan, Kingdom, Andhra King Taluka, and Kaantha. In an exclusive chat with Priyanka Goud, she opens up about her journey, lessons from working with stars like Dulquer Salmaan, Rana Daggubati, staying rooted amid fame, and what excites her about the road ahead.
On Her Acting Dream and Career Graph
I feel like I’ve come a long way, yet I’m still just beginning. From a small town in Maharashtra to bigger cities with even bigger dreams, my journey has taken me from studying business to modelling and now acting. Destiny has been kind, but hard work has been the real key. Acting was never part of the plan while I was growing up, I’d say it was truly destiny’s call. I started modelling at the age of 18 while pursuing Business Management, and I felt extremely comfortable in front of the camera. That’s where my love story with the camera began. It feels like a beautiful beginning.
On navigating success, failures, and audience expectations
Honestly, for me, real success lies in the love and support I receive from the audience. When people connect with my characters or appreciate my work that means everything to me. As an actor, all you can do is give your hundred percent and perform to the best of your ability. The outcome that is success or failure is not entirely in anyone’s control. I’m truly grateful that audiences continue to shower me with so much love. That appreciation itself feels like the biggest reward I’ve received from all my films.
On the challenge of learning South languages and culture
When I first entered the South industry, it was overwhelming, everything including the language, the people, and the culture were all new to me. But very quickly, I felt a warm sense of acceptance. Southern audiences have a magic; they make anyone feel at home with their love. I strongly believe that as actors, it’s important to make the effort to learn the language and understand the culture of the place we work in. It helps you connect better with your characters and the people around you. I’m actively working on it, film after film.
On Andhra King Taluka and working with Ram Pothineni
After doing larger-than-life films like Kingdom and Kaantha, Telugu film Andhra King Taluka that just released felt refreshing. It’s the kind of story that leaves you feeling positive and motivated when you walk out of the theatre. When audiences connect with the story and its characters, that’s true success for me. I loved working with Ram Pothineni. His positive outlook towards life is incredibly inspiring, and it’s something I’m consciously trying to imbibe every day.
On why Kaantha felt deeply personal
Kaantha was the first script where the director was looking to cast someone whose personality closely resembled Kumari, so there were definite similarities. Kumari is a debut actress in reel life, and at that point, I was also stepping into the industry and finding my footing in real life. That made the character very personal to me. I feel a deep connection with Kumari because many of her traits mirror mine whether it’s leading life with her heart, staying optimistic, or finding joy in the little things. Playing her felt very natural.
On finding inspiration in Dulquer Salmaan
I was waiting for a film like Kaantha to come along in my career. I met Dulquer Salmaan for the first time in Chennai, and watching him perform was truly stunning. I feel incredibly grateful to have shared screen space with him so early in my career, especially in a film like Kaantha, which demanded intense and layered performances. One quality of his that deeply inspires me is how, the moment the director calls ‘action’, you don’t see Dulquer the star anymore, and you only see the character. That ability to completely disappear into a role is, to me, the biggest achievement an actor can have.
On working with Vijay Deverakonda in Kingdom
Working with Vijay Deverakonda in Kingdom was a truly larger-than-life experience. My role had a fine balance of glamour and performance, which I really enjoyed. Since it’s a two-part film, I’m looking forward to beginning work on the second part. Vijay’s ambition and dedication to the craft truly motivated me. I feel I share that same drive.
Importance of staying grounded amid growing fame
Any recognition I receive today is the result of years of unseen hard work, and I consider it a blessing. I don’t come from a film background, I was raised in a small-town, middle-class family where simplicity, strong values, and hard work were part of everyday life. Those roots have shaped who I am and keep me grounded. No matter how far this journey takes me, I carry that upbringing with me in every film. And after working with Rana Daggubati, I learned the importance of humility no matter the scale of success or fame in life and I’m going to follow that in my career.
On working across Hindi, Telugu, and Tamil industries
I have worked in Hindi with Chandu Champion and Telugu with Mr Bachchan, Andhra Taluka and stepped in Tamil with Kaantha. I truly feel this is a blessing that’s only just beginning. Every industry has its own unique charm, and I’m incredibly grateful for the opportunities I’ve received to be part of them. Right now, my only focus is to keep working hard and do complete justice to the chances I’ve been given, so that every industry I work in can feel proud of me.
On upcoming projects and next film with Akhil Akkineni
I feel it’s only right for the producers to make official announcements first, so we’ll wait for that. All I can say for now is that there are definitely some exciting things on the way. As an actor, a role that is on my bucket list is playing a Queen in a Royal setup.
Rapid fire
Your inspiration to become an actor? The magic of storytelling!
One actor you want to collaborate with next: Prabhas
Three things you can’t live without: Family, Ice-cream, Travelling
Your comfort food: Dal rice made by my mum
Describe your 2025 in one word: Grounding.
