Our Bureau
Cambridge, MA
Indian-American actor, 19-year-old ‘Mean Girls’ star Avantika Vandanapu was named the South Asian Person of the Year by Harvard University on Wednesday.
The actor was recognized for her outstanding achievements and impact on both the international and Indian entertainment industries. “Being honored by such a prestigious institution as Harvard University is truly humbling and incredibly motivating. This award not only acknowledges my efforts but also underscores the significance of narratives transcending borders and the crucial role of Indian representation in global media,” she said.
Vandanapu was born in a Telugu family from Hyderabad. She has featured in several Hollywood projects like ‘Mean Girls’, ‘Spin’, and ‘Senior Years’ and also debuted in Indian OTT series ‘Big Girls Don’t Cry’. Avantika came to fame after she got the second prize in dance reality show Dance India Dance L’il Masters. She soon entered the Telugu film industry and worked in movies like Brahmotsavam. She also played a lead role in Disney’s Spin, featuring Meera Syal and Abhay Deol.
“It propels me to delve into stories that challenge stereotypes, embrace diversity, and forge deep connections with people. My journey is just beginning, and this recognition ignites my determination to continue contributing positively through my work,” the actor said.
The young actor has recently faced backlash after rumours she was being cast as Princess Rapunzel in a live-action version of the 2010 animated Disney film “Tangled.” Several Disney fans and critics took to social media to share their displeasure over an actor of South Asian heritage portraying the fictional character.
