Rukmini Vasanth: I’m an introvert & Chai is like a ray of sunshine; Chaithra J Achar: I can just be myself & share anything with Ruku

On the sets of Sapta Sagaralu Dhaati – Side B, actors Chaithra J Achar and Rukmini Vasanth found more than just professional camaraderie — they discovered a friendship that continues to thrive beyond the screen.

From quiet conversations in caravans to post-promotion giggles in hotel corridors, their bond has become a safe space in an otherwise demanding industry.

This Friendship Day, they sit down with Hyderabad Times to talk about how their connection began, what makes it special, and why having someone who truly understands your journey makes all the difference.How did you first meet, and what sparked the start of this friendship?Rukmini: My first encounter with Chaithra was at Rakshit Shetty’s birthday party during the shoot of Sapta Sagaralu Dhaati.

It was just a ‘Hi’ and ‘Bye’ moment, nothing more.Chaithra: I’d seen her films before, so I knew who she was. But it was only during Side B that we really got talking. We’d drop by each other’s caravans between shoots. I still remember the first time I went to hers. She was reading or writing, very focused. We didn’t even have scenes together, but that’s where the friendship began.

What made you both open up to each other?Rukmini: As an actor starting out, there’s a unique vulnerability you live with.

You’re dependent on others for opportunities, you’re figuring things out, and as women, there are layers to that experience. With Chai, I found someone I could share that with, someone who understood without judgment.Chaithra: It wasn’t something we forced. It grew from small conversations and shared experiences. Yes, we had friends like Hemanth (Hemanth M Rao, the director) and Rakshit on set, but having Ruku as someone I could confide in made all the difference.How would you describe your personalities and the balance you bring to your friendship?Rukmini: I’m more of an introvert. I enjoy my quiet space. Chai, on the other hand, is like this loud ray of sunshine who can light up any room. That contrast actually makes our bond stronger. I value how she makes people open up.Chaithra: We share the same sense of humour and love for the work we do. But while I appear outgoing, I rarely let people in.

With Ruku, I don’t feel the need to put on a front. It’s like trying to explain why you fall in love. You just know it works. Our similarities and differences meet in the middle, and that’s what makes it special.

Both of you are rising actors. Does that ever create competition between you?Chaithra: Not at all. There’s no ego or comparison between us. If I sign a film, sometimes Ruku knows before my parents do. We trust each other, and there’s just genuine appreciation for what the other is doing.Rukmini: Exactly. The support we have for one another is rare in this industry. It’s something you usually only expect from family. Chai understands the pressures that come with my work without me having to explain — it’s a generosity and clarity that’s truly special.You’ve mentioned watching films together. How did that become a part of your friendship?Chaithra: We bonded over watching random films, even the strangest ones you wouldn’t expect.

That’s how we really started laughing and breaking the ice.Rukmini: We don’t even need to name the films. We lean toward niche cinema, but it’s more than just watching. Chai has this hilarious running commentary, spotting moments on screen that no one else notices. Once she points them out, you can’t unsee them. Those movie nights are some of my favorite memories with her.

What’s the most comforting thing about your friendship?Chaithra: I can just be myself with Ruku.

We can spend an entire day in silence or laughing endlessly, and it still feels like quality time. There’s a real ease about being around her.Rukmini: This industry often makes you put up walls. But with Chai, I can switch off and just be me. I can say the most random, unimportant things, and she gets it. That kind of safe space is priceless.

Hyderabad Diaries:Chaithra and Rukmini: Whenever either of us is in Hyderabad, we make it a point to check if the other’s around. During one promotion tour, we’d meet for breakfast at the hotel, laughing about how tired we were after long days. We’d end up running down the corridor barefoot after kicking off our high heels. The funny thing is, we’ve hardly explored Hyderabad despite all the times we’ve been here for work!”– Divya Shree