Like many, she too was focused on academics. And, she too pursued engineering (in electronics and communication) at Acharya Institute of Technology. However, her interest in music eventually led her to the small screen. Now, Anusha Rai, is an actress who has made a mark playing various lead characters in several television soaps and in a handful of Kannada movies too.
Currently, Anusha essays a special role in the serial Naagakannike as Hitha, and has wrapped up the shooting for the Kannada movie titled BMW after her previous movie Mahanubhavaru was released. She has even signed up for a new movie titled Karshanam where she plays the role of a journalist. Anusha shares with Bengaluru Chronicle how engineering turned toward acting even as she was pursuing a professional academic course, and how it has now become her full-time profession. The actress wants to achieve more within the shelf life of an actress, which is very limited.
“Acting is one big surprise in my life. I was a normal girl with normal dreams — studying hard and becoming an engineer and may be even pursue an M. Tech later. But, destiny had something else in store for me. I had been practising music and was a student at the renowned composer Hamsalekha Sir’s music school. It was one of my friends at school who told me of an acting opportunity in a Kannada movie which would suit me. I gave it a try, and after a few rounds of audition, I was playing the heroine for Mahanubhavaru,” says Anusha.
The actress eventually followed her debut with teleserials Annayya, Vani Rani in Tamil and now Naagakannike. While she initially felt that she was heading towards a different path, she realised that she was fortunate enough to have been offered work without even trying. “I have never gone seeking work, neither in movies or television. It has always been through references. Though I did feel that I could have stuck to engineering, I realised the power of performing arts. It is not just about fame but a platform to prove his or her talent. I know that the shelf life of an actor, especially an actress is very short. I wish to utilise the opportunities, and do good work before I head back to my other passion in life,” she says.
In Naagakannike, she is the new attraction as the protagonist falls in love with her during the absence of the snake woman essayed by Aditi Prabhudeva.
Anusha recently completed her engineering degree, and shares that most of her college mates would tease her, calling her by her character’s names from various serials, but she has started to enjoy all the attention.
In BMW (meaning Bengaluru Men’s and Women’s College), she plays a youthful character, and in Karshanam, a journalist in search of truth. Her parents have been very supportive, and a huge pillar of strength in her life. The girl who loves to cook, especially non-vegetarian often tries out new recipes. You can also catch her in action for a tele-film titled Prarthana which is schedule to release in the coming days.
