Anu Prabhakar, who recently celebrated her 25-year milestone as an actress, admits she is still processing the fact that she has achieved such a significant duration in her career. Recalling a recent conversation with colleagues where the realization dawned on her, she shared, "It suddenly hit us that I completed 25 years since my debut in 'Hrudaya Hrudaya' on September 16. It took some time to sink in, and that night, overwhelmed by memories, I couldn't sleep." Reflecting on her journey, she goes on to discuss how her early days on set solidified her passion for acting, recalling how filming 'Hrudaya Hrudaya' during a college summer break marked the beginning of a lifelong commitment to the craft. She acknowledges the enduring support and affection from Kannadigas throughout her career, emphasizing their special place in her heart. Additionally, she highlights the technological advancements in Kannada cinema over the years, noting the significant progress in CGI and filmmaking techniques compared to decades ago.In the digital age, I appreciate many advancements, but I do miss the camaraderie on film sets from the past. Nowadays, there seems to be a sense of distance among people on set. In earlier times, the set felt like a large family where we would gather under a tree for lunch breaks at the shooting location. There were no fancy trailers, and even the star, Shivarajkumar, would personally serve food. The shift between commercial and art cinema was more prominent then. Today, films blend realism with commercial success, which is a positive change in the industry. I am grateful for the love and recognition I continue to receive for my past roles. It is a true blessing to be remembered for my work.
Anu Prabhakar, who aspires for strong female roles in cinema, looks back at the performances of legendary actresses like Bharathi, Aarthi, Leelavati, and Manjula, and the impactful characters they portrayed. She emphasizes the need for more substantial roles for women in today's films, beyond just glamour. Anu acknowledges the filmmakers who have written such characters and appreciates the opportunities they have provided her. She makes a conscious decision not to take on roles that don't align with her age to avoid being stereotyped. Anu credits her husband, Raghu, as her strongest supporter in her career, and she returned to acting after a break following the birth of their daughter, Nandana.He is a talented artist who has been a close friend and supportive partner to me. As parents, we coordinate our schedules to ensure one of us is always home for Nandana. In addition, we have the support of both my mother and Raghu's mother, who play a crucial role in bringing up our daughter and contribute to our peace of mind.