This October marks three years since the unfortunate passing of Kannada star Puneeth Rajkumar. During this time, his wife Ashwini Puneeth Rajkumar has exhibited immense strength amidst her personal grief. Ashwini is kept busy with various responsibilities, including raising their two daughters and carrying forward projects initiated by both herself and Puneeth. She states that she is enjoying her work despite the challenges, as she now holds all the responsibilities. Ashwini shares that while her previous projects were approved by her late husband, her experiences have empowered her to make new decisions. She is currently excited yet nervous about an upcoming commercial film with Yuva Rajkumar in the lead role. Ashwini acknowledges that making decisions independently remains a challenge, despite having a supportive team. She reflects on her decision to proceed with the film "Achaar & Co." post Puneeth's passing, highlighting her uncertainty but ultimate satisfaction with the outcome. Looking ahead, Ashwini anticipates that future projects will be entirely her responsibility, and she is prepared for the journey ahead.It is quite daunting, but currently, I am dedicated to developing the script and details for the upcoming project, Yuva, which features a promising talent within our family. Additionally, I am exploring scripts for future projects. I make a point to review or listen to two to three scripts each week and aim to produce two to three films annually.

The presence of more women in the film industry is crucial. A greater sense of ease is felt on set when there is gender diversity. We have had remarkable women directors in the industry for decades, but the same representation is lacking among technicians. The challenge for women to establish themselves professionally has always been substantial. This difficulty is not unique to the Kannada film industry, as it is evident in other film industries as well. It is essential for this scenario to change, and hopefully, it will. Ensuring the safety of women in the workplace is a universal concern, not limited to the film industry. Women face challenges every day, regardless of their chosen profession. Women, along with children and the elderly, deserve a secure environment. As a leader in the cinema field, I believe in creating opportunities for all and advocate for women to support each other in seeking visibility, expression, and growth.

The film industry has undergone significant evolution and is poised for continual growth. An exposure to global cinema and the influx of talented newcomers offering fresh perspectives on storytelling present exciting opportunities for exploration. Despite recent challenges, such as the decreased interest from OTT platforms in purchasing Kannada films, recent successes like Bheema and Krishnam Pranaya Sakhi have reinvigorated interest in cinema halls.Experimental films are captivating audiences and showcasing the talents of emerging artists. It is essential to provide them with the right platforms and opportunities. The "P" in PRK productions refers to Parvathamma, not Puneeth as commonly believed, serving as a tribute to both individuals. Ashwini Puneeth Rajkumar aspires to be recognized for producing quality, content-driven films. Despite gaining more visibility in public due to his association with Appu, he continues to lead a low-profile lifestyle, enjoying time with family and discussing cinema. He hopes to create impactful films and wishes to be acknowledged for his contribution to the industry. Reflecting on his mother-in-law, Parvathamma Rajkumar's significant success as a female film producer, he admires her legacy and the influence she had in the world of cinema.She considered everyone involved in filmmaking like her own family. She described a time when writers, music directors, technicians, actors, and others would come together to discuss their project for extended periods. She extensively read novels and relied on her intuition to determine if a story had potential for a successful film adaptation. During that era, they primarily focused on producing family-friendly movies, and surprisingly, 95 percent of the films she worked on became blockbuster hits. She was a female producer who I confidently believe was the most successful in the world.