Mouli Tanuj Prashanth is playing the lead role in the upcoming film Donga Naa Koduku, produced by Mythri Movie Makers. Srinu Kambala is making his directorial debut with the film, while Sushmitha Shetty plays the female lead. The film is set to hit the screens on November 13. Ahead of its release, Sushmitha talks about her journey and experience of working on the film.

Speaking about her roots, Sushmitha said she was born and brought up in Hyderabad. “My grandparents are from Karnataka, but they settled in Hyderabad 40 years ago,” she said.

Talking about what inspired her to enter films, Sushmitha said legendary actor Sridevi was her biggest inspiration. “Sridevi garu is my inspiration. From childhood, I have been interested in dance and learnt different forms of dance. When we dance, we have to express a lot through our faces, and that is how I developed an interest in films,” she said. She added that she completed her education abroad, where she also got an opportunity to explore theatre.

Donga Naa Koduku marks her debut as a female lead. “I earlier acted in a web series called Jagame Sangeetham, and now I am very excited to see myself on the big screen,” she said.

Talking about her character in the film, Sushmitha described her as a naughty and lively girl. “My character is very cute and bubbly, and she loves Eswar (Mouli) a lot,” she said. She further explained that her character considers herself smart but ends up getting involved in a crime without realising it. “There is some innocent comedy in my character. Whatever I try to do, it eventually turns out to be funny,” she said.

Speaking about the film's title, Sushmitha feels it is catchy and relatable. “Everyone can relate to it. It is a fun title, and the film has a lot of entertainment,” she said.

Talking about her co-star Mouli Tanuj Prashanth, she said, “He is a very talented and humble person. It was a good experience working with him, and I wish him many more good opportunities in the future.”

Sushmitha is passionate about dance, and when asked about her favourite dancers in Telugu cinema, she named Ram Charan, Allu Arjun and Jr NTR. She also revealed that Mahanati, starring Keerthy Suresh, is her favourite film. “There are so many emotions in that film, and I would love to play a role that has such emotional depth. I also like films with a sports backdrop, romantic comedies, horror and suspense thrillers,” she said.

Talking about her upcoming projects, Sushmitha revealed that she is currently working on two Tamil films.