Anu Prabhakar, who recently celebrated 25 years as an actress, shares that she is still processing the fact that she has achieved such a milestone. Recalling a conversation with friends about her debut film "Hrudaya Hrudaya" on September 16, she admits that it took time for the realization to sink in. Memories flooded her mind that night, keeping her from sleep. Reflecting on her journey, she discusses the changes she has witnessed over the years. Here are some highlights:
- Early experiences on set made her realize her passion for acting.
- The success of films like "Hrudaya Hrudaya" set a strong foundation for her career.
- Despite working in various languages, she cherishes the special place Kannadigas hold for her in their hearts, referring to her as "nam mane hudugi".
- She acknowledges the advancements in Kannada cinema, especially in terms of technology, citing examples like the movie "Hagga" incorporating computer graphics that would not have been possible decades ago.In the digital age, I miss the close-knit atmosphere of old film sets. Nowadays, people on set seem more distant. I remember the sense of family we had - lunch breaks under a tree, with Shivarajkumar even serving food himself. Today, there is no clear distinction between commercial and art house cinema. This has resulted in more realistic films finding commercial success, which is a positive change. The continued support and love from fans is a great blessing for me.
Anu Prabhakar expresses her desire for stronger female roles in films. She admires the performances of past actresses and hopes for a shift towards more substantial roles for women in cinema. She credits filmmakers who have offered her such roles for providing her with opportunities. She avoids playing characters that are significantly older than her as she believes it can lead to being typecast.
Her husband Raghu has been her biggest supporter throughout her career. The only break she took was after the birth of her daughter, Nandana. Raghu encouraged her to return to acting as he understands her dedication to her passion.The artform. He has been a friend and a partner to me. As parents, we coordinate our schedules to make sure that at least one of us is home for Nandana. We rely on support from my mother and Raghu's mother, who are crucial to our peace of mind as we raise our daughter.