October this year marks the third anniversary of the tragic passing of Kannada star Puneeth Rajkumar. Throughout this period, one individual who has demonstrated remarkable strength amidst her personal sorrow is his wife Ashwini Puneeth Rajkumar. Ashwini acknowledges that she has been extremely busy, which she appreciates as it keeps her fully occupied. She has successfully managed the upbringing of her two daughters while continuing the projects initiated by both herself and Puneeth. Ashwini reflects that she now shoulders all the responsibilities alone and faces new challenges each day. Despite this, she finds joy in her work and describes it as a positive phase.
Ashwini shares that the films she has worked on so far had her late husband's approval. However, her experiences in the past two years have empowered her to make new decisions. She expresses her excitement and nervousness about an upcoming major commercial film project featuring Yuva Rajkumar in the lead role. Despite having the same team since the beginning, Ashwini finds that making decisions independently and taking the final call remains a challenge. She recounts a significant decision she had to make regarding a project called Achaar & Co., which was originally approved by Puneeth. Ashwini decided to proceed with the project despite uncertainties and was pleased with the successful outcome. Looking ahead, she acknowledges that all future film projects will be her responsibility, and she looks forward to facing this new chapter with optimism.The statement made by sed was quite frightening. Currently, I am focusing on developing the script and details for Yuva, who is seen as the upcoming talent in our family. I am also scouting for scripts to work on in the upcoming year. I make it a point to read or listen to two to three scripts every week, with the hope of producing at least two to three films annually.
Encouraging more women to enter the film industry is imperative. The presence of women on set brings about a sense of ease. This was exemplified during the filming of Achaar & Co., where I thoroughly enjoyed the entire process. Although there have been exceptional women directors in the industry over the years, there is a noticeable absence of female technicians. Breaking into this field has historically been challenging for women, not only in Kannada cinema but across different language film industries as well. This status quo needs to shift, and we must strive for a more inclusive environment.
Safety concerns for women in the workplace are a global issue, affecting women in various professions. It is crucial to create secure environments for all individuals, including children and the elderly. As a leader in the industry, I see myself as a facilitator of opportunities for everyone. Collaboration among women is essential in paving the way for new prospects – speaking up, being acknowledged, visible, and continuous learning.
The film industry is continuously evolving, propelled by exposure to global cinema and the creativity of emerging talents seeking to offer new storytelling perspectives. Despite facing challenges, such as limited OTT platforms acquiring Kannada films, recent successes like Bheema and Krishnam Pranaya Sakhi have rekindled interest in theatrical releases.There are talented newcomers in the film industry creating experimental films that resonate with audiences. We need to provide them with the right platforms and opportunities for success. It is important to clarify that the "P" in PRK productions represents Parvathamma, not Puneeth, although it is now also seen as a tribute to Puneeth. Ashwini Puneeth Rajkumar aims to be known for producing quality, content-driven films. Despite increased public recognition, he still enjoys simple activities like going out for coffee or spending time with family. He values discussions with his relatives, gaining new perspectives on cinema. He hopes to continue creating impactful films and acknowledges the influence of his mother-in-law, noted film producer Parvathamma Rajkumar.She described the film industry as a close-knit family. She reminisced about days when writers, music directors, technicians, and actors would gather for extended periods to discuss their projects. Immersed in novels, she relied on her instincts to determine if a story was suitable for the big screen. Most films produced at that time were family-focused, and astonishingly, 95 percent of the films she worked on became massive hits. She was a pioneering female producer whose global success remains unrivaled.
