She made her acting debut barely out of school and at the age of 16, she was already a leading lady in one of the most popular tele-serials — Chi Sou Savitri.
Then Gowthami Gowda dropped off the radar, something actors find difficult to do after attaining so much acclaim. She took a break for a couple of years to complete her studies in engineering (computer science), and recently graduated with flying colours. But she did manage to stay in the limelight with reality shows and special appearances. Now, after giving education its due, Gowthami is back in the lead with her fourth film Poorna Satya directed by film critic Yathiraj. She is also known for a critically acclaimed film directed by actor, director, and magician MD Kowshik — Muttina Pallaki which has been screened in several international film festivals, and will soon be released commercially. Gowthami speaks with Bengaluru Chronicle, sharing her journey from being a popular TV actress to academic excellence, films and more.
“Right now, Poorna Satya, directed by film critic-turned director Yathiraj Sir is my fourth film in the lead role. So far, Muttina Pallakki directed by Kowshik Sir has been featured in several international festivals as well as locally in the Bengaluru Film Festival, and we are releasing it commercially soon. Another film I am awaiting is Khaleja, that has now been renamed Dashami. Meanwhile, Mathu Kathe, a commercial film will be out too. The script of Poorna Satya inspired me to take up the film. I did not ask who the hero was, and signed the film for its content. Shaadi Bhagya is another film in the waiting,” says Gowthami Gowda.
A trained classical dancer, Gowthami’s versatile talent is what helped her gain entry onto the small screen. “I was also a topper in studies, as I strongly believed in academics. As I was a trained classical dancer, I had no stage fear, and could emote well. That was when the popularity of anchors was at its peak and TV channels were on a hunt for young talent. With all that love and support, it was difficult to stay away from it even as I decided to return to academics to finish my graduation,” she recollects.
She also misses acting ‘dearly’. “Though I enjoyed immense popularity, I was just like any other student at SET IT College in Kaggadasapura. Yet, I managed to remain in the limelight through reality shows. Only after I finished engineering, did I start doing full-fledged feature films. I am very tech-savvy, and apart from acting, I am working on exploring something new which will help the entertainment industr,” reveals the actress who is happy about the majority of content-oriented films in her kitty. “All my films, apart from a few commercial ones, have strong subjects which are close to reality,” she says.
Insofar as her experience in Bigg Boss goes, she was invited as a contestant in the first season, but delayed it as she was not mentally prepared for the isolation it came with. “After experiencing it, I strongly feel it is a ‘must-do’ in life. It teaches one a lot, and helps in understanding one’s own self.”
Before signing off, the Bengaluru-based girl mulls that she might even pen a few books as she loves to write on diverse subjects, if and when time permits.
