After spending nearly 12 years building her career in Kannada cinema, actor Shanvi Srivastava says South Indian cinema will always remain an integral part of her journey, even as she continues to pursue opportunities in Bollywood.
Speaking ahead of the release of America America 2, Shanvi reflected on her career, Bengaluru, evolving female roles in cinema, the realities of Mumbai’s entertainment industry, and her enduring love for romantic storytelling.
For the actor, success in one industry does not mean leaving another behind.
“Hindi is my mother tongue and I want to work there, but if someone tells me to quit the South, I will say goodbye.”
Bengaluru Remains Her Professional Home
Although Shanvi currently divides her time between Mumbai and Bengaluru, she describes Karnataka’s capital as the place where her acting career truly flourished.
She spends nearly half of every month in Bengaluru and credits the city for giving her some of the most significant opportunities of her career.
“This place is my karmabhoomi because I have done the maximum number of my films here.”
While she jokingly admits that traffic remains one aspect she could happily live without, she says the city’s people, food and welcoming atmosphere continue to make it feel like home.
Returning to Kannada Cinema with America America 2
Shanvi’s upcoming film, America America 2, carries the legacy of one of Kannada cinema’s well-known titles.
She acknowledges that audiences naturally have high expectations whenever a beloved film receives a new chapter.
According to the actor, while the upcoming film is not a direct continuation of the original story, it preserves the emotional depth associated with filmmaker Nagathihalli Chandrashekhar’s storytelling.
She praised the director for successfully balancing timeless emotions with the perspectives of today’s younger generation.
Appreciating Stronger Female Characters
Reflecting on recent scripts she has received, Shanvi believes meaningful roles for women are becoming increasingly common.
She notes that female characters no longer need to lead an entire film to make a lasting impact, provided they are written with depth and authenticity.
However, she believes lasting change depends not only on writers but also on producers supporting stories that move beyond traditional hero-centric narratives.
According to Shanvi, audiences are ready for fresh storytelling, and the industry must continue evolving to meet those expectations.
The Reality of Pursuing Bollywood
Although Shanvi continues auditioning for Hindi films, she openly acknowledges the challenges of working in Mumbai’s highly competitive entertainment industry.
She describes Bollywood as an environment where hundreds of talented actors often compete for a single opportunity.
Beyond auditions, networking has also become an essential part of building a career.
Despite those challenges, Shanvi says she has no intention of abandoning her work in South Indian cinema.
Instead, she prefers to balance opportunities across industries rather than depending entirely on one market.
Romance Remains Her Favourite Genre
Among all film genres, romance continues to hold a special place in Shanvi’s heart.
She hopes to star in an emotionally powerful love story that leaves audiences deeply moved.
In her view, romantic films possess a timeless quality that allows them to remain memorable across generations.
She also expressed admiration for filmmaker Mani Ratnam, whose films continue to inspire her appreciation for emotionally driven storytelling.
Inspired by New Ideas
Experimentation, according to Shanvi, is not about age or image but about embracing new creative possibilities.
Whether working with established filmmakers or talented newcomers, she says she is always interested in projects that challenge her as an actor.
That mindset also extends beyond cinema into fashion and photoshoots, where she enjoys exploring unconventional concepts and creative collaborations.
Her goal, she explains, is to continue growing with every project rather than repeating familiar roles.
Finding Inspiration Beyond Cinema
Away from film sets, Shanvi enjoys travelling, exploring new cultures and spending time with family.
Originally from Varanasi and now based in Mumbai, she describes her hometown as a place filled with cherished childhood memories.
Travel, conversations with strangers and discovering new experiences all contribute to the perspectives she brings into her work.
For Shanvi, these experiences are expressions of love in their own way.
She believes love is not limited to relationships but can also be found in meaningful experiences, personal growth and the people encountered throughout life’s journey.
Looking Ahead
With America America 2 preparing for release and more projects under consideration, Shanvi Srivastava continues to embrace an approach that values versatility over labels.
Her willingness to explore different industries while staying connected to Kannada cinema reflects a career built on thoughtful choices rather than trends.
As South Indian cinema continues gaining national recognition and Bollywood increasingly collaborates with talent from across the country, Shanvi’s journey highlights how artists today can successfully build careers across multiple film industries without compromising their roots.
