It feels really special to play the sister of Shivanna in Rustum: Mayuri

One of Kannada cinema’s favourite anna-thangi (brother-sister) pairs has been Shivarajkumar and Radhika Kumaraswamy. Attempting to make it into this elite list is Mayuri, who plays the Century star’s sister in the upcoming film, Rustum.

The film, made under Jayanna Combines banner, marks the directorial debut of stunt master Ravi Varma. The multi-starrer also stars Shraddha Srinath, Vivek Oberoi and Rachita Ram.

Mayuri, who has so far only starred as a heroine, says it feels special to be playing a sister’s role for the first time. The actor, who is looking forward to the release of the film on June 28, adds, “Shivarajkumar's nickname is Shivanna, so it's even more special to be playing his sister. As an actor, you play whatever character you are given, and that's what I've done here. Ravi Varma has also made this relationship very realistic.” Mayuri tells us that she got the same treatment on the sets of Rustum that every sister gets when she is around her brother. 

“I never imagined that I would be working with an actor like Shivarajkumar. He has been my inspiration since childhood. And when I actually worked with him, that’s when I understood why people like him turn out to be legends. The dedication, the way he looks at work is something I learnt from him. Moreover, the film features a large cast of actors, and I have tried to match up to all of them.” 

‘Cinema industry has really accepted me’

The transition from TV serials to the big screen has been amazing, says Mayuri. “When I made a debut with Krishna Leela, I was unsure about whether I will make it. But once the film was released, followed with Ishtakamya, Kariya 2 and Nataraja Service, I realised that people have accepted me as this girl-next-door. Filmmakers who approach me don’t look for that perfect heroine image, they look at me as an actor, and they feel that I can portray the character. The cinema industry has really accepted me, and that is the best part of my career. While the small screen was like going to school, entry into tinsel town feels like I am pursuing graduation.”