More than a decade ago, she landed in Bengaluru from her hometown Mysuru hoping to achieve something, and more importantly, doing it independently.
Despite knowing very little about cooking, she started off as an anchor in a cookery show. After a successful debut on TV, she has taken on the mantle of director with versatility. Known as the Ekta Kapoor of Kannada television — Shruti Naidu, an actor, director, and producer has so far directed 13 mega teleserials most of which have been produced under her own production house Shruti Naidu Chitra. One of the first females to venture into directing and producing, Shruthi is a force to reckon with. That apart, she recently directed Kannada TV’s first finite series Sanju Mattu Nanu. She speaks with Bengaluru Chronicle about her present hatke TV ventures, her big screen future, and more.
“I have been producing and directing serials, predominantly social dramas since Devi which became a huge hit. We realised that there is a large audience for such a genre on the small screen. Hence, my subsequent serial Mahadevi had a similar theme. I was then offered a chance to make a horror-drama Yare Nee Mohini. I was excited as this was an opportunity to try new things — the latest technology in graphics and special effects. I had never tried horror before, so it was a welcome challenge. I am glad that even the casting turned out perfectly,” says Shruti Naidu Chitra.
Apart from her latest horror serial, her other popular venture — Brahmangantu, which talks about body shaming has been an instant hit. In Yaare Nee Mohini, actress Ambuja, the mother of Sandalwood actor Yogesh, a familiar face in most of Shruti’s recent teleserials, has been one of the great finds. “Actress Ambuja knew nothing about acting but now she acts with such ease, even newcomers have done exceptionally well,” she says, adding, “For Brahmangantu, we were in search of an over-weight girl. Not only did our choice Geetha look pretty, but she was also a great performer. Bharath Bopanna also made the audience empathise with his situation — of marrying an over-weight girl.”
Shruti further points out that the subject of body shaming is very relevant today as everyone seems to be more figure-conscious, rather than concentrating on developing a good personality.
The multi-talented director reveals that after a couple of acting roles, she developed an interest in the making. “In reality, I never felt any hindrance in a male-dominated industry. It was the right kind of men like Parameshar Gundkal (who was then with ETV), and directors like Ramesh Indira who gave me an opportunity to grow independently,” she explains. It is very important for her, to work and learn on the job, which results in others respecting one’s work.
Her official website reads, “We do not want to limit or confine ourselves to television, but explore the larger canvas of creativity through short films and feature films of international standards. We raise the bar at every level...” She is now venturing into films, and will be producing one in January, “I am working towards making the industry function as a corporate, where everyone is treated fairly, in terms of remuneration and other basic needs,” reveals Madame Director.
