Anu Prabhakar, celebrating her 25-year milestone as an actress, reflects on her journey and the changes she has witnessed over the years. She recalls a pivotal moment when the realization of completing 25 years since her debut film, Hrudaya Hrudaya, sank in. This moment sparked a flood of memories that kept her awake that night. Anu reminisces about her early days on set and how her passion for acting was ignited during the shooting of Hrudaya Hrudaya. She acknowledges the unwavering love and support she has received from Kannadigas throughout her career, emphasizing the special place they hold for her in their hearts. Anu also commends the evolution of Kannada cinema, particularly noting advancements in technology that have transformed the filmmaking process.In the digital age, one thing I miss is the sense of camaraderie on set compared to the past. Nowadays, people on set seem more distant. In the past, the set felt like a large family, with lunch breaks spent together under a tree at the shoot location. There were no trailers, and even Shivarajkumar himself would serve food to everyone. Back then, there was a clear distinction between commercial and art films. Some movies were solely made for awards. Today, we see a positive change where realistic films also succeed commercially. I am grateful for the love and recognition I receive for my past roles. It's a blessing to be remembered for the work I've done.
Anu Prabhakar expresses the desire to see more strong and well-written roles for women in the film industry. She admires the performances of past stars like Bharathi, Aarthi, Leelavati, and Manjula, who had substantial roles that showcased their acting abilities. Anu highlights the importance of having impactful characters for women beyond just glamour roles. She credits filmmakers for enabling her to explore diverse roles that have led to more opportunities. Anu consciously avoids playing characters that don't align with her age to prevent typecasting.
Anu acknowledges her husband, Raghu, as her biggest supporter. She only took a break from work when their daughter Nandana was born. Raghu motivated Anu to return to acting because he understands and supports her passion for the craft.The art form. He has been a friend and partner to me. As parents, we coordinate our schedules to ensure one of us is at home for Nandana. Additionally, we rely on the support of my mother and Raghu’s mother, who provide us with peace of mind as we raise our daughter.