Actress Meenakshi Chaudhary, known for her captivating performances in South Indian cinema, recently sat down with the media to discuss her latest project, Lucky Baskhar. The much-anticipated film, in which she stars opposite the popular Dulquer Salmaan, is creating a buzz nationwide with its upcoming release and compelling trailer. Directed by Venky Atluri and produced by industry powerhouses Sithara Entertainments and Fortune Four Cinemas, Lucky Baskhar promises an immersive story, set against the evocative backdrop of 1980s India.
Reflecting on her experience filming with such a dynamic cast and crew, Meenakshi shared, “Working with Dulquer Salmaan and the entire team was an incredible journey. We had such a young, motivated group, and despite the challenges of filming in a language that’s not my first, everyone made it seamless. Dulquer brought so much dedication and warmth to the set—it’s a great learning experience working with someone who prepares so meticulously.”
In Lucky Baskhar, Meenakshi steps into the shoes of Sumathi, a middle-class woman whose journey resonates deeply with viewers. “Sumathi is someone who values love and family over money. She doesn’t crave luxury but rather cherishes the simple, honest connection with her husband, Baskhar. There’s this rawness to her story that I think many will find relatable,” she explained. Drawing on personal reflections and inspirations from her family, Meenakshi mentioned, “For this role, I observed the strong women around me—especially my mother. Watching how women put family above all else taught me how to bring Sumathi’s essence to life.”
Meenakshi also talked about the significance of portraying a middle-class background, a theme central to the film. “I, too, come from a middle-class household, where every small expense mattered. My parents always instilled in me the value of hard work and education. It’s been a journey of firsts for me—first doctor, first Miss India, first actor in my family. This film feels like it pays homage to those roots,” she revealed, underscoring her personal connection to the character.
Reflecting on her chemistry with her co-stars, Meenakshi highlighted the rewarding challenge of working alongside industry icons like Mahesh Babu and Dulquer Salmaan. “Mahesh is a powerhouse of professionalism, while Dulquer brings a grounded humility despite being the son of a legendary actor. I feel inspired watching them—they’ve taught me a lot about dedication, discipline, and never taking success for granted. With Dulquer, it’s amazing how he meticulously works on each detail—his accent, his mannerisms. It pushes me to be better in every take.”
“I know some of my viewers were disappointed with my role in Guntur Kaaram. But this film, Lucky Baskhar, is my redemption. Sumathi is a character who gives me room to show my range, and I’m proud of how much heart we put into every scene.”
As the interview wrapped, Meenakshi expressed her hopes for the audience's experience with the film. “I believe that Lucky Baskhar will touch a chord with anyone who understands the ups and downs of a middle-class life. It’s a film made with sincerity, and I hope everyone leaves the theatre feeling the emotions we’ve poured into it.”