In this heartfelt episode of All That SHE Wants podcast, host Jyothi Surana (Joey) is joined by Ashrita Vemuganti Nanduri, dancer, actress, and mother, known for her graceful presence on-screen and her moving journey through art, identity, and self-discovery.From her early days in Bharatanatyam to her big break in Baahubali, Ashrita opens up about the paths that chose her, the heartbreaks that shaped her, and the quiet strength behind balancing motherhood, womanhood, and the world of cinema. She shares candid reflections on ageism in the industry, dealing with rejection, and finding inspiration through personal heroes and private conversations that changed her life.If you’ve ever wrestled with identity, transitions, or the pressure to “have it all together”, this conversation is for you.Follow Ashrita Vemuganti here: instagram.com/ashrita_vemuganti_nanduri/————0:00 - Introduction2:02 - Destined Career Path or Flow State?3:41 - From Psychology to Acting4:30 - Growing Up with Bharatanatyam6:43 - How Chennai Changed Me7:57 - Listening to Your Heart Over Your Mind8:35 - Healing from Heartbreaks10:03 - Landing Baahubali13:26 - Relationships with Co-Actresses15:38 - Gender Dynamics in Casting16:25 - Playing Age-Appropriate Roles19:08 - Rejections and Growth21:35 - Entering the Industry Post-Motherhood24:09 - Navigating Personal Space as a Mom24:47 - Body Image After Babies25:57 - Her Husband’s Role in Her Journey28:27 - Her Biggest Inspiration31:33 - Advice from Chiranjeevi Gaaru33:35 - Support from Fellow Women35:37 - Message to Women Struggling Today47:25 - Outro———— Subscribe for more real, raw, and empowering stories from women rewriting the rules. If you loved this episode, don’t forget to like, comment, and share it with someone who needs to hear it.————#AshritaVemugantiNanduri #AllThatSHEWantsPodcast #WomenInCinema #Bharatanatyam #Baahubali #MotherhoodAndCareer #HeartLedLife #WomenInArt #AgeismInFilm #Tollywood #Actress #HealingJourney #WomenInFilm #JyothiSurana #SouthIndianCinema #EmpoweredWomen #ActressInterviewAshrita Vemuganti Nanduri, Bharatanatyam, Tollywood, South Indian actress, women in cinema, motherhood and acting, identity and art, career transitions, heartbreak and healing, self-expression, Jyothi Surana, All That SHE Wants Podcast.