‘Becoming Sarala Was Soulful’: Misha Narang on Her Kannada Debut

Model-turned-actor Misha Narang says travel has always been part of her life, but moving cities for work as an actor feels different. “Acting is taking me places in a more meaningful way,” she shares.

After establishing herself in Telugu cinema with projects like Thellavarithe Guruvaram and Missing – Search vs Revenge, Misha now steps into Kannada cinema with Sarala Subbarao. The retro romantic drama is directed by Manju Swaraj and stars her opposite Ajai Rao.

A Character That Stays With You

Set in 1970s Mysore and produced by Lohith, the film follows a young couple navigating love, expectations and personal dreams within marriage. Misha says choosing this project as her Kannada debut was intentional.

“I knew Sarala was the emotional core of the film. When audiences leave the theatre, they will carry a piece of her with them. Often, female leads do not get that narrative space, but here the director has treated both characters with equal depth.”

From Page to Screen

The film is adapted from a novel by celebrated Kannada writer Triveni, which added responsibility to the role. “When a story already exists in book form, there is a certain pressure. Readers have imagined these characters. Our job is to translate that emotion faithfully onto the screen.”

Misha admits the role had a personal impact. “When I first heard the story, I asked myself why I couldn’t be more like Sarala. Portraying her was not just acting — it was transformative.”

Overcoming Language Barriers

Working in Kannada came with initial challenges. “The language felt unfamiliar at first. I would struggle with certain words,” she says. However, director Manju Swaraj’s patient approach made the transition smoother. “He never rushed me. He always said, ‘Take your time.’ That calm energy helped me focus.”

An assistant director supported her with rehearsals, while Ajai Rao’s collaborative spirit also stood out. “He has done over two dozen films, yet he was willing to rehearse scenes repeatedly. Having a supportive co-actor makes a huge difference.”

Embracing the Retro Mood

To prepare for the 1970s backdrop, Misha revisited classic romantic films from that era. She also drew inspiration from her parents. “They are still very romantic,” she says with a smile. “They gave me simple but meaningful insights about relationships.”

Having admired the success of films like Kantara, she is keen to explore more opportunities in Kannada cinema. “Some filmmakers have already reached out after watching our trailer. I am listening to scripts and hoping this journey continues.”

For Misha Narang, Sarala Subbarao marks not just a regional debut but a deeply personal milestone.