This October marks three years since the unexpected passing of Kannada star Puneeth Rajkumar. During this time, his wife Ashwini Puneeth Rajkumar has shown remarkable strength in the face of personal loss. "I have been extremely busy, which I am grateful for as it keeps me fully occupied," says Ashwini. She has managed the responsibility of raising their two daughters while carrying forward the projects they had started together. She acknowledges that now all the responsibilities rest on her shoulders, bringing new challenges every day. Despite this, she finds joy in her work and describes this phase as positive. While Ashwini mentions that the films she has been involved in so far had been approved by her late husband, her recent experiences have empowered her to make independent decisions. She shares her excitement and nerves about an upcoming major commercial film, featuring Yuva Rajkumar in the lead role. Ashwini reflects on the continued challenge of making final decisions independently, especially since the team has remained consistent since the beginning. She recalls a significant decision she made regarding proceeding with a project after her husband's passing, which turned out to be successful. Looking ahead, Ashwini is prepared to make all decisions regarding future projects, emphasizing the importance of her role moving forward.The current focus is on developing the script and details for Yuva, a rising talent in the family. There is a desire to explore new projects in the coming year, with a goal of producing two to three films annually. Increasing the representation of women in the film industry is crucial for creating a welcoming and inclusive environment on set. While progress has been made with female directors, there is still a lack of women in technical roles. Breaking into the industry has historically been challenging for women, not just in Kannada cinema but across various film industries. Safety concerns for women in the workplace are a global issue, and it is important to create a safe environment for everyone. As a leader in the industry, there is a commitment to creating opportunities and supporting women in their creative endeavors. The film industry is evolving, driven by a diverse range of talents and fresh perspectives on storytelling. Despite facing challenges, there is optimism about the future of Kannada cinema and the potential for growth in the industry.To some extent, we see experimental films making an impact on audiences. I believe there is a wealth of talented newcomers here, and our goal is to provide them with the right platforms and opportunities. The "P" in PRK productions actually stands for Parvathamma, not Puneeth as commonly believed, although it is also viewed as a tribute to Puneeth now.
Ashwini Puneeth Rajkumar expressed her desire to be recognized for creating quality, content-driven films. Initially preferring to work behind the scenes, she now actively participates in various events due to the positive regard people have for Puneeth. This increased visibility hasn't stopped her from enjoying everyday activities like going out for a coffee. She is grateful for the love she receives and values spending time with her family discussing films and gaining new perspectives. As a filmmaker, her aim is to create content-driven movies and hopes to be acknowledged for her efforts in this field.
Regarding her mother-in-law's legacy, Ashwini is proud to highlight that Parvathamma Rajkumar was one of the most successful female film producers globally. Even though she did not witness her mother-in-law's work firsthand, she admires Parvathamma's dedication to the film industry, as shared by her family, and herself.She described the team working on the film as a close-knit family. They would spend days and months together, including writers, music directors, technicians, and actors. She immersed herself in reading novels and relied on her instincts to determine if a story would translate well onto the screen. At that time, they focused on producing family-friendly movies, and remarkably, 95 percent of the films she produced became blockbuster hits. I can confidently say that she was the most successful female producer in the world.