Exclusive! Tejaswi Madivada: “I don’t feel pressured to stay active on social media”

Tejaswi Madivada, a renowned actress, model, and social media star, is primarily known for her work in Telugu cinema. Her rise to fame began after competing in the Miss Dabur Gulabari 2011 beauty pageant, which opened doors to modeling and film roles. She made her acting debut in 2013 with the Telugu film Seethamma Vakitlo Sirimalle Chettu and gained wider recognition with Ice Cream, directed by Ram Gopal Varma.

In addition to her acting career, Tejaswi has also appeared in reality TV, most notably Bigg Boss Telugu Season 2. Her time on the show increased her popularity and helped her connect with a larger audience. On social media, she frequently shares glimpses of her personal life, fitness routines, and fashion choices, building a strong fan base due to her candid and approachable persona.

Recently, Tejaswi Madivada added a new chapter to her journey by participating in the adventure reality show Reality Ranis of the Jungle on Discovery. In an exclusive chat with The Reelstars, she opened up about her experience on the show, her aspirations, and more.

What made you decide to join this show?

“I wanted to break free from the concrete jungle and immerse myself in nature. I wanted to challenge the stereotype that women need men’s help to survive in tough environments. When I got the offer, my first thought was to show that women are just as capable of surviving in the wilderness as anyone else. Initially, I thought the show would focus only on survival, but I didn’t realize there would be stunts involved. It turned out to be much harder than I imagined, with elements like survival, stunts, and the wild—essentially every reality show element rolled into one.”

What did you learn from your time on the show?

“Resilience. We often complain about not having luxuries, but this show taught me how little we truly need to survive.”

Do you feel pressured to stay active on social media while balancing your acting career?

“Not at all. I’ve been on social media for a decade, and what I’ve learned is that if you focus on your work, social media balances itself. It’s important to chase work, not fame.”

What are your post-show plans?

“I’ve lost about 5 to 6 kg during the show, so my priority is to get back in shape (laughs). Work-wise, I tend to work for six months and spend the rest traveling. My life feels balanced because I don’t chase after things—I just go with the flow.”