Celebrities heap praises on Anushka Shetty

Glam diva Anushka, who completed 15 years in tinsel town, after making her debut in 'Super' in 2005 was hailed by top directors and producers at a grand gala event held to celebrate the special occasion in Hyderabad on Thursday.

"First time I saw Sweety in the guest house of Nagarjuna. As soon as I saw her, I told her that she would become superstar in south India.

She made a mark with her movies like 'Rudrammadevi' and 'Bhagmathee' to reach dizzy heights," Producer Shyamprasad Reddy claimed that horror flick 'Arundathi' transformed his career than of Anushka.

"She is a good hearted girl, who is always supportive of her friends," he adds. Director Puri Jagannadh said he found this 'lucky' mascot when he went to Mumbai to select casting for his film 'Super'.

"When I took her to Annapoorna Studios, Nagarjuna said that she is looking pretty and doesn't need audition too. We rechristened her name from Sweety to Anushka," he informs.

Writer and producer Kona Venkat adds, "Our 'Nishabhdam' story beckoned Anushka and not the other way round. When I was in Mumbai airport, I found airport staff clicking pictures with Anushka and we decided to cast her for her pan-India appeal," Ace producer Suresh Babu said that Anushka is one of the nice girls in the industry.

Top producer Viswaprasad said, "We are happy to make a film with Anushka as she achieved a new milestone. Our film is made with Hollywood actors since it is meant for audience across the world," he adds.

In his address, ace director S S Rajamouli said, "Sweety is very close to me as well as our family. She is a keen observer. Although I showed her how to enact scenes in 'Vikramarkudu', she used to add charm and grace to it.

Later, she became close our children with her soft nature. I seldom etch strong women characters but I am proud of penning Devasena character in 'Bahubali' as she breathed life into it," he points out.

Finally, Anushka in her thanksgiving address said, "I haven't accomplished much in comparison to my predecessors. However, I'll take this milestone as a responsibility and like to work even harder. I am thankful to all the good scripts and directors who helped in shaping my career.

I didn't know much about cinema when I came in but I learnt everything step by step from filmmakers over the years. I encountered both good and bad situations in my career, but I cherish my stint in film industry forever," she concludes.