This October marks three years since the untimely passing of Kannada star Puneeth Rajkumar, and during this period, his wife Ashwini Puneeth Rajkumar has demonstrated exceptional strength amidst her personal grief. Ashwini shares, "I have been very busy, which I appreciate as it keeps me fully occupied." She has successfully juggled raising her two daughters while also fulfilling the projects initiated by both herself and Puneeth. "Now, all the responsibilities rest on me. Each day presents new challenges, yet I find joy in my work. It's a positive phase for me," she expresses. Although Ashwini mentions that her past film projects were approved by her late husband, her experiences have empowered her to make new decisions. "We are preparing for our upcoming major commercial film, featuring Yuva Rajkumar in the lead role. I am both thrilled and anxious as the most challenging aspect is making the right decisions," she remarks. Ashwini also reflects on the ongoing challenges of making independent decisions and the responsibility of taking the final call. Despite having a supportive long-standing team, the transition to making solo decisions remains daunting. She recalls a significant decision regarding the film "Achaar & Co." where she had to decide whether to proceed with production without her husband's guidance. Despite initial uncertainty, the project succeeded, boosting Ashwini's confidence in her decision-making abilities. Looking forward, Ashwini anticipates that all future film projects will be her sole responsibility, as she embraces this new chapter in her career.Working on the script and details for the upcoming film featuring Yuva, a promising talent from our family, is currently my focus. I am also evaluating scripts for future projects. I make a point to engage with at least two to three scripts every week, with the aim to produce a few films annually. The need for increased female representation in the film industry is apparent. Having more women on set brings a sense of ease, as seen during the production of "Achaar & Co." While we have witnessed phenomenal women directors over the years, the presence of female technicians remains scarce. Breaking into this field has historically been challenging for women, not unique to the Kannada film industry but prevalent across other language film sectors as well. It is critical to strive towards creating a more inclusive and supportive environment for women in cinema. Safety concerns for women in the workplace are a global issue that goes beyond the film industry, affecting women in all professions. As a leader in the industry, I see my role as that of a facilitator of opportunities, believing in the importance of unity among women to create new avenues for growth and visibility. The film industry is evolving rapidly, with access to international cinema inspiring fresh perspectives and narratives. Despite current challenges, I remain optimistic about the industry's potential for growth and exploration. Recent films like "Bheema" and "Krishnam Pranaya Sakhi" have played a crucial role in revitalizing interest in theatrical releases, especially in the absence of OTT platforms acquiring Kannada films.Experimental films are having an impact on audiences, alongside the emerging talent in the industry. It is important to provide these newcomers with the right platforms and opportunities. The "P" in PRK Productions symbolizes Parvathamma, not Puneeth as commonly misconceived. However, it is now also viewed as a tribute to Puneeth. Ashwini Puneeth Rajkumar aspires to be recognized for creating content-driven films. Despite being more involved in public events now, he values his privacy and enjoys everyday activities like going for coffee without much disturbance. He spends time discussing cinema with his family and seeks inspiration from their perspectives. As a filmmaker, his focus is on producing quality content and hopes to be acknowledged for it. He expresses pride in his mother-in-law, Parvathamma Rajkumar, the renowned film producer, who chose to retire after seeing her sons settled.She felt a strong sense of camaraderie among the group of writers, music directors, technicians, and actors she worked with, treating them like family. They would spend days and months together discussing the films they were working on. She had a habit of reading numerous novels and relied on her intuition to determine if a story was suitable for adaptation into a film. During that time, they focused on creating family-friendly movies, and astonishingly, 95 percent of the films she produced turned out to be blockbuster hits. I proudly assert that she was the most successful female producer globally.
This October marks three years since the untimely passing of Kannada star Puneeth Rajkumar and in this time, one person who has stood out strong, despite her own personal grief is his wife Ashwini Pun...