Lakshmi Manchu’s candid revelation on family, career, and patriarchy

Lakshmi Manchu, known for her roles in films such as Monster and Maranthen Mannithen, has recently been in the spotlight for revealing the challenges she faced in her career. In an interview with the Free Press Journal, the actor and philanthropist talked openly about the obstacles she encountered when she decided to move from Hyderabad to Mumbai in search of better opportunities.

She shared that her family, especially her father, veteran actor Mohan Babu, initially discouraged her from pursuing acting. Despite being a close-knit family, they were hesitant about her decision to move. According to Manchu, they questioned why she wanted to be a small fish in a big pond. However, she found support from friends like Rakulpreet, who encouraged her to make the move to Mumbai.

Manchu also discussed the challenges faced by women in the South Indian film industry, noting that there is resistance to casting women in certain roles. She acknowledged the support she received from director Prakash Kovelamudi despite opposition from her family.

Her decision to move to Mumbai was influenced by a conversation with actor Rana Daggubati. The conversation highlighted her determination to pursue her career despite facing gender biases. She emphasized the disparities she experienced compared to her brother in terms of career opportunities, calling herself a victim of patriarchy.

Manchu’s openness has resonated with many, shedding light on the challenges women face when defying familial expectations and patriarchal norms. Her courage to speak out has inspired those who have encountered similar resistance to pursuing their dreams due to conservative family attitudes.

On the professional front, Manchu continues to make her mark in the film industry, recently venturing into the Malayalam film industry with “Monster.” Her journey serves as a testament to resilience and a call to challenge outdated mindsets that hinder women’s aspirations.