Unassumingly Anu Hasan

“Anything new excites me. Moreover, Nasser and I are sharing screen space so many years since my first film Indira in 1995. I am elated,” she smiles.

Being the multi-tasker that she is, Anu wears many hats — that of a producer, television anchor, entrepreneur, as well as a writer with aplomb.

How does she manage to dabble in so many fields? “I have no fear of failure and take life as it comes. I always sport an ‘I’m-feeling-adventurous mood’ wherever I go! I’ve been fiercely independent since my childhood and have been groomed to believe in hard work and sincerity,”she says.

Talking about Valladesam, Anu says that the film is simple yet intriguing. “It is a female-centric film and based in a different culture. The story is set in the UK, where I get caught and my family goes missing. I totally enjoyed shooting for Valladesam because of my character,” she adds.

How does she feel playing a lead character after so many years? “I am really not a planner. I believe that life is what happens while you are busy making other plans. I never tried to do a comeback of sorts — there have been several entries and exits. I thank people for letting me do that,” she says.

But Anu does admit she was insecure before shooting the film and eventually got over it. “I don’t think I am glamorous; maybe bubbly and likeable! But as far as Valladesam is concerned, the film made me look more real and that’s why I loved the script. When the film travels, you’ll see me with less make-up and perform more. That will make people forget about my appearance.”

Post Indira, though Anu wanted to continue acting, she says she never got any interesting roles. “I believe there are no small roles... there are only small actors. Films that came my way were quite conventional then. So, I wasn’t interested in taking them up,” she tells us.

But, what about the films where she played the akka or anni role? Anu laughs, “I took them on simply because I liked the hero or the script. These directors couldn’t think of better roles for me except akka or anni! I am here to do something different. On those lines, I’m also excited about my upcoming movie Aakki, where I play a hockey coach.” She also picks out playing the role of Rekha IPS, as her most favourite till date. “Kids used to love the film because I donned a khaki uniform and beat up all the rowdies,” she chuckles. What’s next, mommy roles? Expectedly, she screws up her face and asks, “A 45-year old-mother for a 45-year-old-hero. Seriously… are you kidding?!