Anu Prabhakar, who recently celebrated 25 years as an actress, reflects on reaching this milestone. "A realization hit me when I discovered that I had completed 25 years since my debut in 'Hrudaya Hrudaya' on September 16th. It took some time for it to sink in," she shares. Anu recalls a discussion with her peers about the years gone by that brought back a flood of memories, keeping her awake that night.
Taking a trip down memory lane, Anu talks about her early experiences on set that solidified her passion for acting. She reminisces about shooting 'Hrudaya Hrudaya' during her college summer break and the pivotal moment when she realized her desire to pursue acting as a lifelong career. The success of consecutive hit films paved the way for her career growth.
Anu is touched by the enduring love and support she receives from Kannadigas, who still consider her as a Kannada actress despite her work across other languages. She cherishes the affection from the audience, referring to them as 'nam mane hudugi,' which she sees as her greatest accomplishment.
Reflecting on the evolution of Kannada cinema, Anu highlights the advancements in technology that have transformed the industry over the years. She notes the significant progress in utilizing computer graphics, citing examples like 'Hagga,' a film that showcases the industry's growth. Anu acknowledges the challenges of shooting double roles in the past compared to the convenience of modern filmmaking techniques.I appreciate the advancements of the digital era. However, one aspect I do miss is the sense of camaraderie on the sets from the past. Nowadays, I notice that people on set are more distant. In the past, the set felt like a large family - during lunch breaks, we would gather under a tree at the shooting location. There were no trailers, and even Shivarajkumar would personally serve food to everyone. There used to be a distinct separation between commercial and art-house films. Some movies were primarily created for awards, but now we see a shift where more realistic films can also be successful commercially. This change is positive as it allows for equal effort to be put into all types of films. The love and support I have received from people for my work is truly heartwarming, and I feel blessed to be remembered for the roles I have portrayed.
Anu Prabhakar expresses her desire for well-written, powerful roles for women in the film industry. Looking back at the performances of legendary stars like Bharathi, Aarthi, Leelavati, and Manjula, it is evident that they had substantial roles that allowed them to showcase their talent. In later years, actors such as Malashree, Sudharani, and Shruti carried on this legacy by portraying strong, impactful characters on screen. Anu hopes to witness a shift where female roles focus more on substance rather than just glamour. She credits filmmakers who have entrusted her with such roles, leading to further opportunities. Anu admits to consciously avoiding roles that do not match her age to prevent being typecast.
Anu recognizes her husband, Raghu, as her biggest supporter in her career. The only break she took from work was when her daughter Nandana was born. Raghu encouraged her to return to acting when the next opportunity arose, understanding her passion for the craft.He is a talented artist who has been a close companion and collaborator. As parents, we coordinate our schedules to make sure one of us is always at home for our daughter, Nandana. We are grateful for the support of our mothers, who bring us peace as we navigate parenthood.
