I studied at the Dewan Bahadur Padma Rao Mudaliar Degree College for Women, in Hyderabad. I did my BA in economics. I took it up out of interest. But the other important reason, was that I was into a lot of extra-curricular activities. And it would be easier for me to catch up on missed classes, if I chose an arts subject.
I was actively involved in theatre and athletics besides ramp shows. My college won the gold medal in every athletics competition I participated in. My sports teacher was really proud of me for this reason. She was also one of my favourite teachers in college. She coached me really well.
My other favourite teacher was the Hindi teacher. She would nag me for walking in late to class or for bunking it, but she would do it sweetly. She would pull my leg, saying, “Shaurya! I am indebted to you for attending my class! Thanks so much!” And everyone would burst out laughing.
The truth was, I did bunk class a lot and go out for movies with my friends. There was a theatre close by, apart from fun hangout places. We would chill out at Universal Bakery too, since we liked the food it served. My close friends were Lakshmi and Preeti. The other girls would be scandalised with the way I dressed or acted, but not these girls. They were as mischievous as me.
— As told to Priyanka Haldipur