Anu Prabhakar, reflecting on her 25-year journey in the acting industry, admits that it still feels surreal to realize she has reached such a significant milestone. Recalling a conversation with colleagues where the realization struck her, she confesses that the memories of her debut film "Hrudaya Hrudaya" flooded back, keeping her awake that night. Taking a trip down memory lane, she discusses how her early experiences on set solidified her passion for acting and how the unwavering support from Kannada audiences remains her greatest achievement. Praising the evolution of Kannada cinema, she highlights advancements in technology that have enhanced filmmaking processes, emphasizing the convenience and creativity that modern technology offers compared to the challenges faced in the past.In the digital era, I find myself missing the sense of camaraderie present on sets in the past. Nowadays, there seems to be a distance among people on the set. I remember the sets feeling like a large family, where we would spend lunch breaks together under a tree at the shooting location. There were no fancy trailers, and even Shivarajkumar himself would serve food to everyone. Another notable difference was how commercial and art house cinema were distinct categories back then. Nowadays, films can be realistic and still succeed commercially, which I see as a positive change because it acknowledges the equal effort put into all types of films. The continued love and appreciation I receive for my work is truly a blessing. It warms my heart to know that people remember me for the roles I have portrayed.
Anu Prabhakar, expressing her desire for more substantial roles for women in cinema, points out the rich character depth portrayed by actresses in the past like Bharathi, Aarthi, Leelavati, and Manjula. She aims to see a shift where women are offered more empowering and well-rounded characters, moving away from the focus solely on glamour. Anu credits filmmakers who provided her opportunities to showcase her talents through challenging roles. She is conscious of not wanting to be typecast in roles that are beyond her age.
Anu acknowledges her husband, Raghu, as her biggest support, especially during the break she took when their daughter Nandana was born. Raghu encouraged her to return to acting, respecting her passion for the craft.The person is not just my partner, but also a companion who shares my passion for the arts. To balance our responsibilities as parents, we coordinate our schedules to ensure one of us is always there for Nandana. In addition to each other, we rely on the support of our mothers, who play a crucial role in helping us raise our daughter peacefully.
