vogue.co.uk
Who is Avantika Vandanapu, The Rising Star From Tarot?
Curated by
cdteliot
8 min read
2,314
2
Avantika Vandanapu is an American actress, dancer, and producer known for her versatile roles in both Indian and American film industries. Born on January 25, 2005, in Union City, California, she gained prominence with her performances in the Disney Channel original movie "Spin" and the Netflix film "Senior Year," and has recently made waves with her portrayal of Karen Shetty in the 2024 musical adaptation of "Mean Girls."
Vandanapu's Early Life and Education
seema.com
Avantika Vandanapu was born on January 25, 2005, in Union City, California, to a Telugu-speaking family originally from Hyderabad, India
1
2
. She attended Challenger School and later Granda Hills Charter High School, completing her studies there in 20221
. Currently, she is pursuing higher education at Columbia University, although she has taken a temporary leave to accommodate her busy schedule5
. Despite her early start in the entertainment industry, Vandanapu has maintained a strong commitment to her education, balancing her academic pursuits with her burgeoning career in acting and dancing5
.5 sources
Avantika's Early Career Highlights
carrieschronicles.co...
Avantika Vandanapu's career began at a young age, with her passion for dance propelling her into the spotlight. In 2014, she participated in the North American edition of the Zee TV dance competition reality series "Dance India Dance L'il Masters," where she secured second place
1
2
. This achievement garnered significant attention and set the stage for her future endeavors in the entertainment industry.
Following her success in the dance competition, Avantika entered the Telugu film industry in 2015. She was signed for two movies and made her official debut as a child artist in the 2016 film "Brahmotsavam," starring alongside notable actors such as Mahesh Babu, Kajal Aggarwal, Samantha, and Pranitha Subhash1
3
. The movie, which began shooting on September 16, 2015, marked the beginning of her acting career1
.
Avantika then appeared in Chandra Shekhar Yeleti's film "Manamantha" and later signed on for "Premam," in which she portrayed the younger version of Madonna Sebastian's character1
3
. During her time in the Telugu film industry, she worked on several other projects, including "Rarandoi Veduka Chudham," "Balakrishnudu," "Oxygen," and "Agnyaathavaasi"4
.
Despite her success in Telugu cinema, Avantika eventually decided to depart from the industry due to the lack of variety in the roles she was being offered, which mainly consisted of playing the "heroine" or small supporting roles1
. This decision led her to explore opportunities in Hollywood, where she found more diverse and challenging roles that allowed her to showcase her acting skills1
2
.5 sources
Breakthrough Role in 'Spin'
caamedia.org
Avantika Vandanapu's breakthrough role came in 2021 with the Disney Channel Original Movie "Spin," in which she played the lead character, Rhea Kumar
1
5
. The film follows Rhea, an Indian American teen who discovers her passion for creating DJ mixes that blend her South Asian culture and the world around her. Vandanapu's performance in "Spin" garnered widespread praise and marked a significant milestone in her career, as it was her first leading role in a major American production1
2
.
The role of Rhea Kumar allowed Vandanapu to showcase her acting skills and her talent as a dancer, as the character's journey involved learning and performing various dance styles, including Indian classical dance1
. Vandanapu's portrayal of Rhea was lauded for its authenticity and relatability, as she brought depth and nuance to the character's struggles with cultural identity and self-discovery2
5
.
"Spin" also provided Vandanapu with a platform to promote cultural representation and diversity in mainstream media. As an Indian American actress playing a lead role in a Disney Channel movie, Vandanapu helped to break barriers and pave the way for greater inclusion of South Asian stories and talents in Hollywood1
3
.
The success of "Spin" and Vandanapu's performance opened up new opportunities for the young actress, leading to her casting in other prominent projects such as Netflix's "Senior Year" and the film adaptation of the Broadway musical "Mean Girls"2
4
. Her breakthrough role in "Spin" established Vandanapu as a rising star in the entertainment industry and set the stage for her continued success in Hollywood5
.5 sources
Vandanapu's Recent Film Roles
hollywoodreporter.co...
Avantika Vandanapu's recent projects have further solidified her status as a rising star in Hollywood. In 2022, she appeared in the Netflix comedy film "Senior Year" alongside Rebel Wilson
1
. Vandanapu played the role of Janet Singh, the high school class valedictorian4
. The film follows a cheerleader who wakes up from a 20-year coma and returns to high school to claim the prom queen crown4
.
Vandanapu's most notable role to date came in 2024 with the film adaptation of the Broadway musical "Mean Girls," based on the iconic 2004 movie1
2
3
4
. She portrayed Karen Shetty, a reimagined version of the character originally played by Amanda Seyfried1
4
. The role was updated to accommodate Vandanapu's South Asian identity, marking a significant step towards greater representation in Hollywood2
4
.
Directors Arturo Perez Jr. and Samantha Jayne praised Vandanapu's performance, noting that her audition choices were "brilliant" and that "she embodied the role in such an effortless way"4
. Vandanapu brought a fresh perspective to the character, making Karen "a little bit louder" while still capturing the essence of the lovable airhead4
.
Critics had mixed reviews of the film overall, but Vandanapu's performance stood out. Peter Bradshaw of The Guardian lauded her as the highlight "among the mean girls"1
. For Vandanapu, playing a South Asian character that wasn't reduced to stereotypes was a meaningful experience1
. She hopes her portrayal of Karen will open up more diverse opportunities for South Asian actresses in Hollywood4
.
These recent projects have allowed Avantika Vandanapu to showcase her comedic timing, versatility, and dedication to advancing representation on screen. As she continues to take on challenging and varied roles, she is poised to make a lasting impact on the entertainment industry.5 sources
Avantika Vandanapu Stars in 2024 Supernatural Horror Film 'Tarot'
timesofindia.indiati...
Avantika Vandanapu starred in the 2024 supernatural horror film "Tarot," directed by Anna Halberg and Spenser Cohen
1
2
. In the movie, a group of friends participate in a tarot reading, only to start dying at the hands of monsters from the cursed deck4
. Vandanapu played the role of Paige, one of the main characters1
.
"Tarot" marked Vandanapu's first American horror film and the first movie she shot as an adult4
. The actress was drawn to the project due to her personal connection with the occult and astrology, having grown up with a mother who was deeply interested in these subjects3
4
. Vandanapu also expressed her love for the horror genre, making the decision to join the cast a "no-brainer"3
.
However, the role came with its challenges. Vandanapu found the most difficult aspect of starring in a horror movie to be the physically exhausting scenes where she had to flee for her life, admitting, "I'm really not a runner"4
. Despite this, she enjoyed the experience and expressed her desire to continue working in the genre4
.
While "Tarot" received negative reviews from critics, Vandanapu's performance was praised. Emma Kiely of Collider noted that the actress's performance felt constrained, as she "isn't given enough to do," especially compared to her standout role in "Mean Girls"1
. Nonetheless, the film was a commercial success, grossing over $50 million on a shoestring budget1
.
Vandanapu's work in "Tarot" showcased her versatility as an actress and her willingness to take on challenging roles in various genres. The film also demonstrated her ability to carry a project as a leading actress, further cementing her status as a rising star in Hollywood.5 sources
Vandanapu's Awards and Honors
morningkashmir.com
Avantika Vandanapu has received several awards and honors throughout her career, recognizing her contributions to the entertainment industry and her impact on cultural representation. Below is a list of her notable accolades:
- South Asian Person of the Year (2024): Awarded by Harvard University for her achievements and influence in both the international and Indian entertainment industries1234.
- Young Female Inspiration Award: Received at the Women’s Empowerment North America Gala for her inspiring work and dedication to social causes5.
- Up Next Power of Young Hollywood (2021): Featured on Variety's list for her role in the Disney Channel movie "Spin," highlighting her as a rising star in Hollywood5.
5 sources
Filmography Highlights
Avantika Vandanapu has built an impressive filmography, showcasing her versatility across various genres and industries. Below is a table summarizing her notable film and television roles:
Avantika's diverse roles in both Indian and American productions highlight her adaptability and talent as an actress
| Year | Film/Series | Role | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2016 | Brahmotsavam | Babu's cousin | Telugu film |
| 2016 | Manamantha | Swathi | Telugu film |
| 2016 | Premam | Young Sindhu | Telugu film |
| 2017 | Rarandoi Veduka Chudham | Young Bhramarambha | Telugu film |
| 2017 | Balakrishnudu | Young Aadhya | Telugu film |
| 2017 | Oxygen | Avanthika | Telugu film |
| 2018 | Agnyaathavaasi | Sampath's daughter | Telugu film |
| 2021 | Spin | Rhea Kumar | Lead role, Disney Channel Original Movie |
| 2021 | Boomika | Boomika | Tamil film |
| 2021 | Moxie | Chem Class Girl | Minor role, credited as Avantika Vandanapu |
| 2022 | Senior Year | Janet Singh | Netflix film |
| 2024 | Mean Girls | Karen Shetty | Film adaptation of the Broadway show |
| 2024 | Tarot | Paige | Supernatural horror film |
| Year | Series | Role | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2014 | Dance India Dance L'il Masters (North America Edition) | Herself | Contestant |
| 2019 | Mickey Mouse Mixed-Up Adventures | Sareena Tapoor, additional voice | Recurring voice role |
| 2020 | Diary of a Future President | Monyca | Recurring role (season one) |
| 2020 | Mira, Royal Detective | Kamala | Recurring voice role |
| 2022 | The Sex Lives of College Girls | Priya | Guest role |
| 2023 | Hell's Kitchen | Herself | Guest diner/Teen Cancer America contributor |
| 2024 | Big Girls Don’t Cry | Ludo | Lead role |
| TBA | A Crown of Wishes | Princess Gauri | Lead role; also executive producer |
1
2
3
4
5
.5 sources
Advocacy and Interests
Avantika Vandanapu is deeply committed to cultural representation and social causes. She aims to produce and portray stories that highlight marginalized communities, particularly South Asians, in mainstream media
3
4
. Her advocacy extends to supporting teens with cancer, reflecting her dedication to impactful social work3
. Despite her positive contributions, she has faced challenges, including racist backlash over rumors of her casting as Rapunzel in a live-action "Tangled" remake, which ignited discussions about racial diversity in casting2
.5 sources
Reflections on Colorism
Avantika Vandanapu has been vocal about the impact of colorism on her self-perception, particularly in India, where darker-skinned women from South India often face negative stereotypes. She has expressed feeling "uglier" in India due to these beauty standards, which favor lighter skin tones, especially among North Indian women
1
. In contrast, she finds more acceptance in the U.S., where Western media has begun to embrace South Asian women with darker complexions, as seen in shows like "Bridgerton"1
. Her parents have played a crucial role in her career, moving to India to support her early endeavors in the film industry and ensuring her education was not compromised2
. This supportive environment has allowed Avantika to navigate the challenges of the entertainment industry while staying true to her identity and advocating for better representation of marginalized communities2
5
.5 sources
Closing Thoughts
usatoday.com
Avantika Vandanapu's passion for dance has been a constant throughout her life and career. As an avid dancer trained in Indian classical styles like Kuchipudi and Kathak, as well as modern and ballet, she has often incorporated her skills into her acting roles
1
4
. Vandanapu sees dance as a way to connect with her cultural heritage and express herself creatively.
Growing up with a supportive extended family, Vandanapu credits them for fostering her love of the arts from a young age2
. She hopes to inspire other young female dancers to pursue their dreams, both in the Indian classical dance world and in the entertainment industry at large.
Vandanapu's foray into the horror genre with films like "Tarot" has allowed her to explore new facets of her acting abilities4
. Despite the challenges of breaking into Hollywood as a young woman of color, she remains committed to taking on diverse, meaningful roles that push boundaries and challenge stereotypes.
As Avantika Vandanapu continues to make her mark in film, television, and dance, she stands as an inspiring figure for aspiring artists everywhere. Her dedication to her craft, her cultural roots, and her advocacy for representation promise an exciting future ahead.5 sources
Related
how did Avantika transition from classical dance to acting
what role does Avantika's extended family play in her career
how does Avantika balance her passion for dance with her acting career
Keep Reading
Linda Cardellini: Acclaimed Actress
Linda Cardellini is an acclaimed American actress known for her versatile roles across film, television, and voice acting.
10,681
TikTok Dressmaker Joe Ando-Hirsh
Joe Ando-Hirsh, a 28-year-old Japanese-American fashion designer and TikTok sensation, recently gained widespread recognition for creating Ella Emhoff's acclaimed dress for the 2024 Democratic National Convention. With a background in acting and fashion, Ando-Hirsh has quickly become a rising star in the industry, designing for celebrities and amassing millions of followers on social media.
4,848
Brazilian Oscar Contender Shines
"I'm Still Here," directed by Walter Salles and starring Fernanda Torres, is generating buzz at the Toronto International Film Festival (TIFF) with its compelling portrayal of Eunice Paiva's harrowing real-life experience. The Brazilian film, screening at various TIFF venues in September 2024, is already being touted as a strong contender for the International Feature Oscar.
1,599
Carpenter's Cosmic VMAs Performance
Pop sensation Sabrina Carpenter delivered a stellar performance at the 2024 MTV Video Music Awards, showcasing songs from her latest album "Short N' Sweet" with an elaborate outer space-themed set that included dancing astronauts and a memorable moment where she kissed an alien, as reported by American Songwriter.
1,478
