Sradhanjali Panigrahi had never dreamt of becoming an actress. However, destiny had other plans for the Berhampur girl. Today, Sradhanjali is one of the most prominent names in the Odia television industry. Her character Nandini on the television show, Ama Ghara Laxmi, has made her a favourite with the audience. The actress has also been part of quite a few music videos and short films.
Born to Jayaram and Suryakanti Panigrahi, Sradhanjali spent her childhood at Indravati in Nabarangpur district. After completing her intermediate in Berhampur, she moved to Cuttack to finish her graduation. Till then, she was happy pursuing her education and acting never crossed her mind. Life took a turn after Sradhanjali was adjudged runner-up on a reality show.
“After coming to Cuttack, I auditioned for Mitha Mitha Jodi, a reality show that was aired on Colors Odia. Till then, I had no exposure to the entertainment world. Even as a child, I was never interested in dance or any art form. Fortunately, I managed to impress both the judges and the audience with my performance,” says the actress.
“Slowly, people started recognising me. A few from the industry also got acquainted with my name and face and I ended up signing a Srikant Goutam film, Mitha Mitha. I owe a lot to the reality show, as my initial grooming happened there. I felt comfortable in front of the camera,” she adds.
Playing the lead was initially difficult for Sradhanjali but the able guidance and support of her co-stars helped her a lot. She had been planning to work after completing her education, but now couldn’t think of anything else apart from acting. After exploring films, she gave the small screen a try. Her ongoing television show, Ama Ghara Laxmi, aired on Tarang channel, where she plays a revenge-seeking wife, is already a hit with the audience.
Besides films and television, Sradhanjali worked in Manash Padhiary’s short film Adha Lekha 
Chithi in 2016. She also featured in music videos for Sarthak Television and Amara Music.
Presently, the young actress is doing a web series, Saheb Biwi Aur Sala, for YouTube. “This is the first Odia web series and one of my most important projects. I play a possessive wife. The other two characters of my husband and my brother are equally interesting. I am sure everyone will enjoy watching the series,” says Sradhanjali.
Acting definitely has changed Sradhanjali’s life, but she is equally determined to complete her graduation. Ask her if it’s difficult balancing work and education, and pat comes her reply: “If there’s a will, there’s a way. One needs to love his work and stay committed. It’s not very tough for a woman to balance her work. Women are capable of handling any situation. In the last three years, the audience has given me lots of love. I am more confident today both as an actress and a woman and want to continue working hard.”
Bratati Baral, OP
