Avantika Vandanapu's career began with a strong foundation in dance, showcasing her talents on the international stage. In 2014, she gained early recognition by winning second place in the North America edition of "Dance India Dance L'il Masters," a popular dance competition reality series on Zee TV12. This achievement not only highlighted her skills in various dance forms, including Indian classical styles like Kuchipudi and Kathak, but also set the stage for her future in the entertainment industry34.

Following her success in dance, Vandanapu made her debut in the Telugu film industry with "Brahmotsavam" in 2016, playing the role of Babu's cousin5. This marked the beginning of her acting career in Indian cinema. She quickly followed up with appearances in other Telugu films, including "Manamantha" where she portrayed Swathi, and "Premam" as Young Sindhu5. These early roles in Telugu cinema provided Vandanapu with valuable experience and exposure, laying the groundwork for her transition to Hollywood and her eventual breakthrough in American productions.

Avantika Vandanapu's breakthrough role came in 2021 with her lead performance in the Disney Channel Original Movie "Spin." This film marked a significant milestone in her career, propelling her from supporting roles to a starring position in a major production. In "Spin," Vandanapu portrayed Rhea Kumar, an Indian American teenager who discovers her passion for creating DJ mixes that blend the music of her South Asian heritage with other genres.

The role in "Spin" was particularly impactful for Vandanapu as it allowed her to showcase her acting skills, dancing abilities, and cultural background simultaneously. Her performance garnered critical acclaim and helped establish her as a rising star in Hollywood. The film's success also highlighted the importance of diverse representation in family entertainment, with Vandanapu becoming one of the first South Asian leads in a Disney Channel movie. This breakthrough role not only elevated Vandanapu's career but also paved the way for her subsequent high-profile projects, including her appearances in "Senior Year" and "Mean Girls"12.

In 2024, Avantika Vandanapu expanded her repertoire with a role in the horror film "Tarot," where she portrayed the character Paige1. This marked her foray into the thriller genre, showcasing her versatility as an actress. The film, which found commercial success, provided Vandanapu with an opportunity to demonstrate her range beyond comedic and musical roles2.

Vandanapu's involvement in "Tarot" came on the heels of her breakthrough performance in "Mean Girls," indicating a strategic diversification of her acting portfolio. In an interview about the film, she expressed excitement about exploring the horror genre, highlighting the different challenges it presented compared to her previous work3. This role in "Tarot" further solidified Vandanapu's position as a rising star in Hollywood, capable of tackling diverse and complex characters across multiple genres4.