Anu Emmanuel has worked with the likes of Allu Arjun, Pawan Kalyan, Ravi Teja and now Karthi. In an exclusive interview with Deccan Chronicle, the versatile actress talks about her journey so far in the industry.
How was it working with Tamil star Karthi in ‘Japan’?
It was a pleasure working with Karthi. I’ve always admired his work and he’s very passionate about cinema and strives for something different each time
Are you happy to return to the Telugu audience after a gap?
I don’t really feel it as a gap. I’ve always just tried to pick the best from what comes to me and sometimes things just happen to take time which is usually what happens when you don’t work a regular 9 to 5 job. In terms of 'Japan' the cast/crew/technicians really propelled me to jump into the film. we had Ravi Varman as the DOP which was very exciting for me and of course Karthi! So I was enlightened to be collaborating with such amazing talent.
You worked with stars like Pawan Kalyan, Allu Arjun, and Naga Chaitanya? How was that experience?
Obviously it’s always thrilling to work with big stars and great talent. They were all very generous and fun to work with.
You have worked with big stars as well as upcoming stars. what kind of preparation goes into acting with say a senior star vs a new age actor?
Both are really the same. Whether a star or an upcoming actor, your dedication to a film doesn’t change. We are really just trying to bring the vision of the film alive. Although when working with an upcoming actor, it's more likely that the role of the female will have more scope to perform and when working with a big star on a film that’s commercial its usual that your character might not have much depth.
What is your personal take on box office success and failures?
Well that’s not really in my control. I’ve tried to let go of the stress/pressure that comes with that. No one signs a film knowing it won’t do well. A flim that does well and a flim that flops takes the same effort and strength. As long as you’ve done your job well let the result go, especially when I don’t have creative control over the flims I do. It’s unfortunate when a flim doesn’t do well and yes it has upset me numerous amount of times but like a said it’s not in my control.
Do you want to be a multilingual actress to expand your fan base
I believe I am a multilingual actress. I’ve worked in Telugu, Tamil and Malayalam industries.
You were one of the few Malayali girls to arrive in Tollywood?
I guess …I don’t really see anything/anyone as a category/denomination. I see them as individuals. I was born and brought up in the US. I used to only come to India during school vacations. So I largely see myself as an individual with a passion for cinema and growth more than classifying myself as a Malayali etc..
Are you game for competition from actors like Rashmika and Sreeleea in Tollywood?
I think every individual has their own journey and there’s space for everyone. My competition is myself and to be better than I was yesterday. Nothing is definite in the world of cinema. The only thing constant is change. So better to focus on yourself rather than comparing
Performance oriented Vs Glam roles, which one is your choice?
I enjoy both. I feel the audience should see different versions of you. I also believe it’s high time that we stop categorising female roles into 2 boxes. A glamorous role can also involve performing.
Don't you think being choosy limits your chances of landing a movie?
I let my gut decide and the rest is in god's hands. I have always been choosy in all aspects of my life.
Are you open to working in a web series?
Yes. There were many that came my way, pretty big ones as well. But nothing materialised properly. When the time is right definitely
What next after Japan
I haven’t committed to anything yet.
What changes have you noticed in the industry from your debut to now
There has been a lot of positive changes. The world of cinema has no borders or barriers now and I’m seeing content is what matters more than the frills and glitz.
