BANGALORE: Anu Prabhakar, the daughter-in-law of yesteryear actress Jayanthi, must indeed be a happy woman. Her sterling performance in the movie 'Pareekshe' won her the best actress award from the state government for 2009-10 - her second such honour. Express caught up with this talented actress for a tete-a-tete. Excerpts:
How do you feel at having been selected for the best actress award?
It was a big surprise, and I am very happy. To be frank, I did not expect the award. I have to thank the jury members, especially Dwarakeesh uncle, senior actor Lokanath and director M S Rajasekhar who introduced me as a heroine in 1999 in the film 'Hrudaya Hrudaya' in which I was paired opposite Shivarajkumar.
When was the first time you received the award?
In 2000, I got the best actress award for my performance in the film 'Shaapa'. The movie was directed by Ashok Patil which also had actor Ramesh Aravind starring in it.
Not many cinegoers seem to be aware of 'Pareekshe'. Could you tell us more about it?
'Pareekshe' highlights the ill-effects of the caste system at many villages in Belgaum district. I enacted the role of Bangaari, a woman from a down-trodden family. Bangaari happens to help an aged woman from an upper caste family when she suffers from sun-stroke and she dies after coming to know that a lower-caste woman had touched her.
Were you anticipating an award for 'Pareekshe'?
No. I agreed to act in 'Pareekshe' because of its script. I have to thank director A R Ravindra who insisted that I act in the movie, and producer Sanjay Patil for investing money on this film.
Who are the other actors in the film?
Muni, who played the role of my husband, Yanagi Balappa, senior actress Shantamma and Siddaraju Kalyankar were among the other actors comprising the movie’s cast.
What were your feelings while facing the camera?
I faced no difficulty during filming but the dubbing was tough. The director insisted that I deliver dialogues in the Belgaum diction.
How did you come to know about the award selection committee’s decision?
My husband, who was doing a project for Tourism Department in Chittoor, had informed me over the phone. He told me that a friend of his had informed him about the announcement.
On your mother-in-law’s reaction to your winning the award?
My joy knew no bounds when my husband broke the news to me. I rushed to inform my mother-in-law about it, which gladdened her a lot.
Do you think this award will spur you to act in more films?
As of now, I am not accepting whatever comes my way. I will, however, accept offers that suit me.
Are you aiming for a national award?
I have no such ambition but I am ready to act in films that have the potential to fetch me a national award. It depends on the love and affection of kannadigas and God.