She started out with a random audition and no real hopes of making it onto the telly. However, fate had other ideas. This actress got selected at an audition, and accepted her new path with an intention to give it a try. Soon, it turned into a passion for Anupama Gowda, who shot into the limelight with her most popular dual role saga on TV — Akka.
She had previously worked in several soaps, including Chi Sou Savitri. Then it was the turn of reality show Bigg Boss to further enhance her popularity, and that also led her to act in her second Kannada movie, directed by Dayal Padmanabhan starring Jay Karthik. Incidentally, both were also contestants in the reality show. Now, the Akka fame actress turns anchor for the singing reality show Kannada Kogile which goes on air from June 30 on Colors Super. Her movie is also scheduled for release on July 13. Anupama speaks to Bengaluru Chronicle about her transition in the roles she has got on TV, and the big screen.
“I never aspired to become an actress, it was just a random choice I had to make after attending an audition. I also had no prior experience in acting, but when I got through the audition, surprisingly, I simply gave it a try. It was a project that paid well too. I was never serious about choosing this as a profession until I did Chi Sou Savitri. That was when I started making the effort to learn the art seriously. When Akka happened, I had no other choice but to give it my best. I essayed the popular dual role — as a good sister and as an evil sister. It taught me a lot,” says Anupama Gowda.
Now, as she gets set to anchor the singing reality show, the actress reveals that she is not a trained singer or someone with any technical knowledge about it. “During my Bigg Boss days, I would hum a few songs when I felt bored. After a couple of days on sets, many contestants just forget about all the cameras, and indulge in things that comfort them, beat anxiety and stress to cope with extreme characters and staying together in the house 24/7,” Anupama added.
Following the reality show, she bagged the film Aa Karaala Ratri directed by Dayal Padmanabhan. “It was the outcome of a random conversation during our stay in the house. The director was very serious, and had it all planned. I was surprised when I got evicted from the show and saw reports of the film all over the media. We had very little choice to think over it again, but when I heard the script and the preparation, it interested me. It is a bold film, and so is my character,” she adds.
In fact, Anupama had previously acted in Nagaari but it went relatively unnoticed. Now, the actress hopes to start her journey all over again with this latest project.
“It is not a commercial film. Based on a novel, the film showcases me in a bold avatar. I felt uncomfortable in the beginning but I slowly adapted. When working on the small screen, we have limited scope when it comes to the use of language whereas in films, it is a whole new experience,” she adds.
She signs off saying that though she has been flooded with several opportunities post her famed reality avatar, she has been careful about choosing the right roles. “I am in no hurry. I will patiently wait for good projects. As of now, I am set to experience the new role as an anchor and I am hoping for films and television
shows with good content.”
