I have my own fears and insecurities, says Anushka Shetty

Anushka Shetty has proved her mettle as an actress and has completed 15 successful years in the industry. The actress who started her journey with Puri Jagannadh's 'Super,' is awaiting the release of her upcoming film 'Nishabdam.' Her journey in the industry has been amazing says the actress, in this exclusive interview.

Do you remember the first day of your shoot as an actress?

Yeah. March 12th it was. The shoot was in Annapurna Studios. Both Puri Jagannadh and Nagarjuna Akkineni were present on that day and they made sure I felt comfortable. First day it was and I had mixed feelings.

Fear, shyness, excitement and curiosity to know how being actress would be and what it means. I really was not sure that I would be coming this far. Actually I never thought of it at all. I met so many people, made good friends and relationships in these fifteen years.

Post 'Bhaagamathie,' you weren't seen much in public. Was it intentional?

Kind of. A break was much-needed. To finish 'Baahubali,' and then 'Bhaagamathie,' I worked for a long time. There was no 'me' time at all. No family time as well.

So I wanted a break desperately and decided to stay away from media and public. Meanwhile, wanted to prepare for next film as well.

Transforming into different shapes have taken a toll on your health, isn't it? You were body-shamed and trolled too. How did you cope?

The transformation, and the kind of affect it showed on my health was shocking. I put on a lot of weight for 'Size Zero.' Then had to cut down for 'Baahubali,' and had to manage it look like a mother for it.

Then 'Bhaagamathie.' All these roles demanded me to put on and lose weight. I now realise how worse it got. Now if someone comes to me with scripts, I make sure that those roles don't leave any affect me physically and emotionally as well.

Lots of rumours on your marriage are doing rounds. How seriously do you take them?

They don't bother me at all. I don't watch television or follow social media. Neither do I have any accounts on various platforms. So I usually don't take them seriously.

Talking about my marriage… it is a sacred space and I consider it to be a big thing in my life. I will definitely not hide my marriage. I might not announce it publicly, but if someone asks me about it, I will confirm it to them for sure.

We know what Anushka as an actress it. As a person, tell us about yourself. Fashion choice, favourite food, way of passing time…what not.

I am just like any other girl. I have my own strengths, fears, and insecurities. I am a reserved person. Talk less and work more. Coming to my fashion choice, I wear what is comfortable. I am not a foodie.

I mean I like home food only. Favourite is muddha pappu and avakai. When I am free, I make sure I spend time at home with my parents and pet as well. I watch a lot of movies on OTTs and that is also one of my favourite ways of passing time.