Anu Prabhakar, who recently marked 25 years in the film industry, admits that she is still processing the fact that she has reached such a significant milestone. "The realization hit me during a conversation with friends, reflecting on the years that have passed since my debut in 'Hrudaya Hrudaya' on September 16. It took some time to sink in. I couldn't sleep that night as memories came rushing back," she shares.

Taking a trip down memory lane, Anu talks about the changes she has witnessed over the years. In her own words: "My early experiences on set made me realize my passion for acting and affirmed my desire to pursue it lifelong. Filming 'Hrudaya Hrudaya' during my college summer break was pivotal. Being chosen as the leading lady by Parvathamma Rajkumar was a defining moment. The consecutive successes paved the way for my career growth."

Anu acknowledges the enduring affection she receives from Kannada audiences for her on-screen portrayals. Despite working in various languages, she is recognized primarily as a Kannada actress. She reflects on the fondness shown by Kannadigas, referring to her as 'nam mane hudugi,' considering it a significant achievement.

Noting the evolution of Kannada cinema, Anu appreciates the advancements in technology, citing examples like the extensive use of computer graphics in recent films. She highlights the convenience and progress in filmmaking techniques over the years, such as portraying double roles, which was a complex process in the past.In the digital age, I do miss the sense of camaraderie that existed on sets in the past. Nowadays, I find that people on set are more distant. In the past, the set felt like a large family where we would gather under a tree during lunch breaks at the shooting location. There were no individual trailers, and even Shivarajkumar himself would come out to serve food. There used to be a clear distinction between commercial and art cinema. Some movies were made specifically for awards. Today, films are more realistic and can also perform well commercially, which is a positive change. I am grateful for the love and support I have received from fans for the roles I have played. It is a great blessing to be remembered for my work.

Anu Prabhakar expresses her desire to see more powerful roles written for women in cinema. She recalls the strong characters played by actresses in the past like Bharathi, Aarthi, Leelavati, and Manjula, as well as more recent stars such as Malashree, Sudharani, and Shruti who have brought similar strength to their roles. She hopes for a shift away from roles that only focus on glamour and towards more substantial and impactful characters for women. Anu credits the filmmakers who have given her such roles and believes that portraying such characters has opened up more opportunities for her. She has made a deliberate choice to avoid portraying characters that are significantly older than herself, as she feels it could limit her casting options.

Anu also praises her husband, Raghu, as her biggest supporter. She took a break from work only when their daughter Nandana was born. When the opportunity to act again arose, it was Raghu who encouraged her to return to her passion for acting.He is a true master of his craft, acting as both a close companion and collaborator in my life. As parents, we coordinate our schedules to guarantee that one of us is always present for Nandana. Additionally, we are fortunate to have the support of both my mother and Raghu's mother, who provide invaluable assistance in raising our daughter and help us maintain a sense of tranquility.