Shamata Anchan of Everest fame makes Kollywood debut in Darbar

Actress Shamata Anchan, who has carved a niche for herself in the television industry with Everest produced by renowned filmmaker Ashutosh Gowariker, is now making her debut in Kollywood with Darbar, starring superstar Rajinikanth. The film has been directed by ace AR Murugadoss and she has wrapped up shooting for her role in the film.

The actress filmed in Mumbai for nearly 40 days. “I play a strong female character. We shot in Mumbai and it was an interesting experience. I have a lot of scenes with Rajini Sir. He was humble and made everyone feel comfortable around him. It was very inspiring for someone like me”, said Shamata, in an interview to DC.

The actress is from a Tulu-speaking Billava family hailing from Mangalore, Karnataka. “I was modelling in the year 2012 and won the Pantaloon Femina Miss India South pageant. After that, I did several TV commercials for companies like Garnier, Mahindra and Amul”, she said. (She was one of the finalists of the Pantaloons Femina Miss India 2012 as well.)

In 2014, she was cast in Everest, a Hindi telenovela on STAR Plus. Directed by Glenn Baretto and Ankush Mohla, Everest was created and produced by Ashutosh Gowariker Productions Pvt. Ltd. She says, “I played the lead role and it was about fulfilling the dream of my screen father.” Shamata has done an extended cameo in the Hollywood movie, Heartbeats. She was also the female lead of the serial Bin Kuch Kahe, which aired on Zee TV and a part of Chal Kar Pehel, an initiative launched by Star Plus.

The stunning actress gives casting director Nalini Rathnam the credit for her success in bagging the Darbar role. “I was introduced to Murugadoss Sir by Nalini Rathnam ma'am,who had cast me in Everest earlier,” she says. “I was comfortable with Tamil and Murugadoss Sir explained the scenes very well. His team also helped me with the lines,” she said, acknowledging the support she received from the Kollywood director and others on the sets of Darbar.