Vaishnavi Chaitanya says she has no problem being associated with Baby, the film that changed the course of her career. As she prepares for Epic – First Semester with Anand Deverakonda, the actor says she wants audiences to see a completely different side of her.
Vaishnavi Chaitanya may have moved on to several new projects since Baby, but the 2023 Telugu blockbuster continues to remain an important part of her journey.
The actor became widely recognised after her performance in Baby, which emerged as a major success and brought her considerable attention. Now, she is preparing for another outing with Anand Deverakonda in Epic – First Semester, directed by Aditya Hasan.
For Vaishnavi, however, being remembered as the “Baby girl” is not something she wants to distance herself from.
“Baby is a big turning point in my life. I am happy that people remember me as the ‘Baby’ girl,” she said.
Vaishnavi Chaitanya wants audiences to see a new side
Epic – First Semester marks Vaishnavi and Anand’s second collaboration after Baby, but the actor believes the two films are fundamentally different.
According to Vaishnavi, she chose the new project because the character and story appealed to her. She plays Kadali, a young woman who has a strong sense of self and is willing to stand up for herself.
“I am always looking for new roles, and if I am excited about the story and want to see myself in that character, I choose it,” she explained.
The actor said she approached Epic as a challenge rather than allowing comparisons with her previous film to influence her performance.
“Baby and Epic are completely different films in their own ways. There was no pressure, but we approached Epic as a challenge,” she said.
For Vaishnavi, the real test will be whether viewers are able to experience Epic without constantly connecting it to Baby.
“If audiences watch us in Epic and don’t think of Baby, then we have succeeded,” she added.
‘There is a Kadali in everyone’
Vaishnavi appears particularly connected to her character in Epic. She described Kadali as someone who possesses qualities that many people may recognise within themselves but sometimes suppress because of family expectations or social pressure.
“There is a Kadali in everyone. But because of family or society, that version of ourselves often remains within us and doesn’t come out,” she said.
The actor believes Kadali’s journey is ultimately about learning to stand up for herself.
“At some point in life, everyone has to stand up for themselves. That is why Kadali is a character very close to my heart,” Vaishnavi explained.
She also said playing the character taught her something about confidence and self-belief.
“I usually feel a little scared to speak openly about certain things. Through Kadali, I learnt something important: We must first believe in ourselves and be confident,” she said.
Vaishnavi praises director Aditya Hasan
Vaishnavi had already watched Aditya Hasan’s web series 90s – A Middle Class Biopic before meeting him for the narration of Epic. She said she immediately connected with his approach to storytelling.
Describing Hasan as a “chill guy”, the actor praised his ability to observe everyday life and find significance in seemingly small moments.
She believes that quality is also visible in Epic, particularly in the way the relationship between Kadali and Anand’s character is developed.
“He observes life deeply, notices even the smallest things, and talks about their significance,” Vaishnavi said.
She added that Hasan has become one of her favourite directors.
What is Epic – First Semester about?
The film follows two people with different personalities and perspectives who travel to the UK for their studies and eventually meet there.
Vaishnavi explained that the story focuses on their relationship and the private conversations that take place as they begin living together.
“The girl looks at life in one way, while the boy sees it differently. How did they meet? What are their perspectives? These aspects bring a sense of freshness to the story,” she said.
The actor believes the film does not depend on unnecessary spectacle and instead aims to connect with audiences through its characters and emotional moments.
“It is a story that touches your heart,” she added.
Sithara Entertainments connection
Vaishnavi’s journey has also brought her back to Sithara Entertainments, the production house associated with both Ala Vaikunthapurramuloo and Epic.
She began her career as a YouTuber before moving into acting and appeared in smaller roles, including as Allu Arjun’s sister in Ala Vaikunthapurramuloo.
Looking back, Vaishnavi said the film gave her confidence to dream bigger.
“Ala Vaikunthapurramuloo gave me the hope that everyone can set big goals in life. It made me believe that if we set big goals, we can achieve them,” she recalled.
Returning to work with the same banner in a leading role is therefore particularly meaningful for the actor.
No regrets about her career choices
Vaishnavi acknowledged that box-office performance matters in the film industry, but she said she does not regret the choices she has made so far.
“As an actor, I played new roles and learnt something from them, so I don’t have any regrets,” she said.
She also addressed missing out on Chennai Love Story, explaining that scheduling commitments prevented her from taking up the project.
“I just couldn’t manage the dates because I had already signed three films,” she said.
As for Final Semester, the planned follow-up to Epic – First Semester, Vaishnavi said she has not yet been given the complete story. She expects director Aditya Hasan to narrate it to her after the first film is released.
Vaishnavi Chaitanya’s next projects
Beyond Epic – First Semester, Vaishnavi has several projects in the pipeline.
The actor revealed that she is currently working on a film with Nithiin under the Sithara banner. She is also part of two Tamil projects and one Hindi film.
For an actor whose career received a major boost from Baby, the next phase is about expanding that identity rather than escaping it.
And if Baby remains the film that introduced Vaishnavi Chaitanya to a much wider audience, she appears determined to make Epic – First Semester another important chapter in her evolution as an actor.
