Anushka Shetty: The Journey of South India’s Reigning Queen

Early Life and Education

Anushka hails from an ethnic Tulu-speaking family. Her parents, Prafulla and A.N. Vittal Shetty, raised her in Bangalore, where she completed her schooling at Mount Carmel College. Anushka’s academic interests initially leaned toward the natural sciences, leading her to pursue a Bachelor’s degree in Computer Applications (BCA). However, it was her interest in fitness and yoga that would eventually lead her to an unconventional career path. Anushka became a trained yoga instructor under the renowned yoga guru Bharat Thakur, and her work as a yoga teacher gave her a sense of discipline and a love for physical fitness, which she would later channel into her acting career.

Entry into Cinema

Anushka’s entry into films was unplanned. She had no formal training in acting or an immediate desire to be an actress. However, her graceful demeanor and charm caught the attention of director Puri Jagannadh, who cast her in his 2005 Telugu film "Super" alongside Nagarjuna. Though the film didn’t do particularly well at the box office, it put Anushka in the spotlight, and she began receiving offers from other filmmakers in Telugu cinema.

Her next significant role came in 2006 when she was cast in "Vikramarkudu" directed by S.S. Rajamouli, opposite Ravi Teja. The film was a huge commercial success, and Anushka’s performance as a feisty village belle was widely appreciated. "Vikramarkudu" proved to be a turning point in her career, establishing her as a bankable actress in the Telugu film industry.

Rise to Stardom

After the success of "Vikramarkudu," Anushka appeared in several films, including "Astram" (2006), "Lakshyam" (2007), and "Chintakayala Ravi" (2008), which further solidified her position in Tollywood. However, it was her performance in "Arundhati" (2009) that catapulted her to superstardom.

In "Arundhati," a fantasy drama, Anushka played a dual role—one as a contemporary woman and the other as the reincarnation of a fierce warrior queen. Her portrayal of Arundhati was praised for its intensity and depth, and the film went on to become a blockbuster. Anushka’s performance earned her several accolades, including the Nandi Special Jury Award and the Filmfare Award for Best Actress in Telugu.

Following "Arundhati," Anushka continued to deliver strong performances in films like "Vedam" (2010), where she played Saroja, a prostitute with a heart of gold. This role showcased her ability to delve into complex characters, and she won the Filmfare Award for Best Actress for her performance.

Foray into Tamil Cinema

While Anushka had already established herself as a leading actress in Telugu cinema, she gradually made her mark in Tamil cinema as well. Her Tamil debut came in the form of "Rendu" (2006), a romantic comedy opposite Madhavan, but it was her role in "Vettaikaran" (2009) opposite Vijay that garnered her significant attention in Kollywood.

In 2010, Anushka played a pivotal role in the Tamil film "Singam" opposite Suriya, directed by Hari. The film was a massive commercial success and went on to spawn several sequels, cementing her position as a prominent actress in both Telugu and Tamil film industries.

Expanding Horizons: Versatile Roles and Critical Acclaim

Anushka Shetty’s versatility as an actress was further demonstrated in films like "Deiva Thirumagal" (2011), where she played a lawyer advocating for a mentally challenged man, portrayed by Vikram. Her nuanced performance was lauded by critics, and it underscored her ability to take on more challenging and layered roles.

She continued her streak of strong performances with "Rudramadevi" (2015), a historical drama where she played the titular character, Queen Rudrama Devi, one of the few female monarchs in Indian history. The film, which required Anushka to undergo rigorous physical training for sword fighting and horse riding, highlighted her dedication to her craft and earned her widespread recognition. Anushka’s portrayal of the warrior queen won her the Filmfare Award for Best Actress once again.

The Baahubali Phenomenon

No account of Anushka Shetty’s career would be complete without mentioning her role in the "Baahubali" series, which turned out to be a game-changer not only for her but for Indian cinema as a whole. Directed by S.S. Rajamouli, the two-part epic "Baahubali: The Beginning" (2015) and "Baahubali: The Conclusion" (2017) became the highest-grossing Indian films of all time.

Anushka played the role of Devasena, a warrior princess and the love interest of Amarendra Baahubali, played by Prabhas. Her transformation from a fierce warrior to a woman enduring captivity and humiliation was met with critical acclaim. In the second part of the film, her performance reached new heights, with Devasena emerging as one of the strongest and most complex female characters in Indian cinema. "Baahubali" not only cemented Anushka’s status as a top actress but also brought her widespread recognition on a national and international level.

Personal Life and Philanthropy

Despite her massive popularity, Anushka has remained a private person, choosing to keep her personal life away from the limelight. She has often spoken about her love for yoga and the positive influence it has had on her life. Her calm and composed demeanor, both on and off-screen, has endeared her to her fans.

Anushka is also known for her philanthropic efforts. Over the years, she has been involved in various charitable activities, including supporting educational causes and contributing to disaster relief efforts. Her humility and grounded nature have earned her a reputation as one of the most respected actresses in the industry.

Challenges and Breaks

Like any long career, Anushka’s journey hasn’t been without its challenges. Post the "Baahubali" phenomenon, she faced a few health-related issues, and some of her films didn’t perform as well as expected. Films like "Bhaagamathie" (2018), though moderately successful, did not match the grandeur of her previous hits. However, Anushka has always taken these ups and downs in her stride, choosing quality over quantity in her film choices.

Legacy and Future Projects

Anushka Shetty’s impact on South Indian cinema cannot be overstated. With over 15 years in the industry, she has worked with some of the biggest directors and actors, delivering iconic performances that have left a lasting imprint on audiences. She has broken stereotypes about female roles in commercial cinema by portraying strong, empowered women in films like "Arundhati," "Rudramadevi," and "Baahubali."

As of 2024, Anushka continues to remain selective about her projects. She has expressed interest in exploring roles that challenge her further as an actress, and her fans eagerly await her upcoming releases.

References

"Anushka Shetty: The Rise of a Star." Filmfare, 2020. 

"The Journey of Anushka Shetty." The Hindu, 2021.

"Baahubali and Beyond: Anushka Shetty’s Impact on Indian Cinema." Times of India, 2019.

"From Sweety Shetty to Anushka: A Journey of Transformation." Film Companion, 2018. 

"Anushka Shetty: The Woman Behind the Warrior." Bollywood Hungama, 2020.