Akanksha Singh may have been to Hyderabad several times for work, but she recently had the opportunity to explore the topography in the Telugu-speaking states. She shot at Rajahmundry and the surrounding areas of Godavari River for her upcoming film starring Shashtipoorthi written and directed by Pavan Prabha. Akanksha shot for more than 35 days in the island places of the river.

Nestled within the heart of the Godavari River, Akanksha shot for the film at the famous Veerabhadra Swamy temple on a small island. It took around 20 minutes from banks (Rajahmundry) to reach the island by boat…and she had to walk in the sand for another 25 minutes to reach the shooting spot.

“We have to go by boat because it was an island. Walking on the sand and on uneven terrains for more than one kilometre was so tiring, especially when it was hot and humid. Walking and travelling for more than one and a half hours daily by boat used to take a toll. We shot scenes in the boat and it was very difficult at times. It was so exhausting that at one point, I even asked my crew to give me a room in the temple premises because my vanity was parked in Rajahmundry. But there were many incidents during the shoot that will always remain with me.”

Akanksha plays the role of temple treasurer in the family drama. Normally male volunteers would be temple treasurers but she being a woman was what excited to play the part. “That’s the beauty of my role, it has a different spin,” she exults. “I play a proper Telugu girl and my costumes reflect my character – wearing half-sarees, henna on hands, anklets, bindi, big earrings, etc.,” she points out.

The actress has been in an enthusiastic mood on this journey amidst the magical mother nature. She also shared photos of her sightseeing in the famous town. “Travelling by boat on the Godavari River offers marvelous views of the ghats, marine life, sun set and sunrise. The experience of shooting in a pristine environment was therapeutic,” she describes.

On a concluding note, the actress says that sailing in the Godavari is a unique and incredible experience. “As actors, as we travel to different places, we get to embrace new cultures and traditions. Spending time in the river island in nature’s lap was a perfect way to soak into meditating. It is a very tranquilizing experience in natural surroundings,” says Akanksha, signing off. Shashtipoorthi also features Rajendra Prasad, Archana and Rupeysh who is also bankrolling the film.

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