A long innings for Sriraksha

BANGALORE: From Thoranagal in Bellary to Bangalore is a long journey for this actress.
She never had an inkling of her acting talent till director Joe Simon saw her at a wedding in 1984 and offered her a role in Raktha Thilaka opposite Shankar Nag. The girl, studying in 7th standard, was thrilled.
Today, the girl Sriraksha has carved a niche for herself in the acting field for her roles in 30 films and nearly 60 Kannada serials.
``I never thought that I would be an actress one day,'''' says Sriraksha with humility. ``In fact, I wanted to be a doctor. But offers from films changed my career and now I am in this field enjoying the roles that come my way.''''
Sriraksha, a seventh standard rank student from Bellary district, has to her credit popular films like Ajagajaanthara, Jeevana Chaithra, Balanouke, Kiladigalu and Jeevana Maithri. ``But I always remember Gururaj Hoskote who gave me a role in his maiden film Alle Irodu Nodi.''''
Sriraksha, married to another popular artiste Shivakumar, is a familiar name in small screen too with over 60 serials behind her. The popular serials include Nim Company with Bharathi, Parivaara, Namma Nimma Naduve, Sahana and now the popular serial Prema Pishachigalu directed by Phani Ramachandra.
Though she has been into acting for nearly two decades, Sriraksha is very modest about her achievement. ``I am happy to be in this field. There is not regret at all. I alwyas prefer roles that are challenging and have ability to prove my acting talent.''''
Sriraksha, who is proud that she is able to establish herself as an actress coming from a remote village like Thoranagal, has one ambition. ``I want to direct a mega serial. i want to spend on serials what all I have earned through acting. That is my only ambition in life.''''