Daijiworld Media Network – Mangaluru

Mangaluru, Sep 21: Shivani Rai is a multifaceted talent an accomplished actor, model, and software engineer based in Bengaluru known for seamlessly blending her creative and technical passions.

Her journey in the entertainment industry began over seven years ago through modelling, culminating in national recognition as the runner-up at Miss South India 2020. Shivani made a strong acting debut as the female lead in the Kannada film Abhiramachandra, earning a Best Debut Actress nomination at the Chittara Awards 2024. With a discerning eye for meaningful scripts and layered characters, she continues to shape her cinematic journey. She is currently filming her second Kannada movie, Dimsole, set against a culturally rich rural backdrop.

Alongside her film work, Shivani thrives in her parallel career as a software engineer, exemplifying a rare balance between creative expression and professional excellence.

'Modelling became my expression of creativity'

Shivani shares, "I’ve always been a creative person, and modelling became a way to express that side of myself. As a child, I would watch models walk the ramp and actors on screen, and I’d imagine myself in their place. That curiosity gradually pushed me into modelling and eventually shaped my path in the entertainment industry."

'Roots in Mangaluru'

When asked about her roots, she says, "Growing up in Mangaluru really shaped who I am. The rich cultural heritage, school performances, festivals, dance, and plays gave me confidence to be on stage. They kept me grounded, both in my professional and creative choices."

'Recalling her debut'

Reflecting on her first film, she shares, "Watching the final cut of Abhiramachandra and seeing all the months of hard work come alive on the big screen was unforgettable. The audience connecting with my character felt surreal."

'About her upcoming film, Dimsole'

"My character in Dimsole has so much depth. She’s quiet, kind, and strong very different from my debut role. This role allows me to explore subtle emotions, vulnerability, and inner strength. It’s challenging and really pushes me as an actor. The film portrays village life in coastal India and celebrates culture while telling a story of courage, love, and justice."

'On choosing roles'

"I gravitate towards stories that are meaningful and leave a lasting impact. I like characters with depth, ones I can connect with emotionally and understand their journey."

'Miss South India and early recognition'

Speaking about her experience at Miss South India 2020, she says, "It boosted my confidence, improved my stage presence, and taught me how to connect with people. It also opened up new opportunities. Modelling helped me get comfortable in front of the camera, while acting taught me patience, storytelling, and how to bring a character to life."

'Balancing two careers'

On managing her dual careers, Shivani explains, "Honestly, it gets difficult at times, but I enjoy doing both. Being a software engineer gives me stability and discipline, while acting is my passion it keeps me creatively alive. I plan my day smartly so I can focus entirely on whatever role I’m performing at that moment. Tech has taught me problem-solving and patience, while acting has strengthened my creativity, communication, and confidence."

'Bringing depth to characters'

"Storytelling is about connecting with people’s emotions. I try to understand my character’s background, motivations, and relationships, and internalize those emotions so that my expressions feel real on screen."

'The stories she wants to tell'

"I want to be part of stories that have emotional depth and challenge me as an actor. I also want to explore different genres stories that add value to my journey and resonate with the audience."

'Challenges in the industry'

On her biggest challenge so far, she says, "Entering the film industry without any background or connections was tough. It takes a lot of patience to wait for the right opportunities and to say no to projects that don’t align with your vision. There were times it was hard to stay motivated, but I trusted the process. I focused on improving my craft and believed that the right role would come at the right time. Patience has been the key it has shaped me and made me stronger."

'Advice for those with multiple passions'

"It’s not always easy to balance multiple passions you have to put in extra effort and push yourself. But if you truly love what you do, you’ll find a way. The key is to have clarity about your priorities, give your best in the moment, and never compare your journey to anyone else’s."