What is your real name?
My real name is Sweety Shetty. My screen name is Anushka.
My real name is Sweety Shetty. My screen name is Anushka.
Tell us about your background?
I am basically from Bangalore. I did my schooling and college in Bangalore. I learnt Yoga while doing my graduation in Computer Applications. Then I started teaching Yoga in Bangalore and Bombay.
I am basically from Bangalore. I did my schooling and college in Bangalore. I learnt Yoga while doing my graduation in Computer Applications. Then I started teaching Yoga in Bangalore and Bombay.
Why did you shift from computers to Yoga?
I have shifted lots in my life. I did History, Economics, Sociology and Psychology in +2. I did not want to get into B. Com and wanted to try BCA (Bachelor in Computer Applications). Then I shifted from BCA to Yoga teaching.
I have shifted lots in my life. I did History, Economics, Sociology and Psychology in +2. I did not want to get into B. Com and wanted to try BCA (Bachelor in Computer Applications). Then I shifted from BCA to Yoga teaching.
How did you land up in films?
I knew director E Nivas (Shool fame) through my Yoga guru Bharat. It was him who suggested me to Puri Jagan. Then I was selected for Super film.
I knew director E Nivas (Shool fame) through my Yoga guru Bharat. It was him who suggested me to Puri Jagan. Then I was selected for Super film.
Why did you shift from computers to Yoga?
I have shifted lots in my life. I did History, Economics, Sociology and Psychology in +2. I did not want to get into B. Com and wanted to try BCA (Bachelor in Computer Applications). Then I shifted from BCA to Yoga teaching.
Hrithik Roshan and Amitab Bachchan in Hindi. Mahesh Babu, Gopichand and NTR in Telugu. I loved the performance of Mahesh in Pokiri film. I am impressed with Gopichand work in Lakshyam.
I have shifted lots in my life. I did History, Economics, Sociology and Psychology in +2. I did not want to get into B. Com and wanted to try BCA (Bachelor in Computer Applications). Then I shifted from BCA to Yoga teaching.
Who are your favorite actresses?
Soundarya, Simran, Jyothika, Kajol and Julia Roberts.
Who are your favorite heroes?Soundarya, Simran, Jyothika, Kajol and Julia Roberts.
Hrithik Roshan and Amitab Bachchan in Hindi. Mahesh Babu, Gopichand and NTR in Telugu. I loved the performance of Mahesh in Pokiri film. I am impressed with Gopichand work in Lakshyam.
How did you land up in films?
I knew director E Nivas (Shool fame) through my Yoga guru Bharat. It was him who suggested me to Puri Jagan. Then I was selected for Super film.
I knew director E Nivas (Shool fame) through my Yoga guru Bharat. It was him who suggested me to Puri Jagan. Then I was selected for Super film.
Tell us about Arundhati?
Arundhati is a vengeance drama. The story starts in 1920’s in Gadwal Samsthanam. Jejamma faces a problem and she is killed. That problem is carried on to later generations. It is faced by Arundhati who is born in the current generation of the same lineage. This film is about how Arundhati fights back and solves the problem. I am doing both the roles of Jejamma and Arundhati.
Tell us about the difference between these two characters and how you portrayed them?
If you look at village scenario, it is always woman in any house who stands up during the crisis and solves it. Women exhibit lots of strength during crisis time. Jejamma is such kind of lady who takes over the mantle of responsibility from her father. The entire Jejamma episode is narrated in flashbacks. And it consists of 30% of the movie.
Aundhati is a today’s girl who is modern and tender. But she also possesses the same strength to stand up and fight in the times of crisis.Regarding the portrayal, I just followed the instructions of Kodi Rama Krishna. He is an expert at it. Jejamma character has heavy costumes and royal look. Hence the sets and costumes and body language portray the splendor of Jejamma character from a long shot. The make-up and jewelry made a lot of difference to Jejamma character from a close-up.
What is your favorite quotation?
Live and let live.
Are you settled in Hyderabad?
Yes. I am a proper Hyderabadi now. I celebrated my new year here. My parents visited me for New Year.
Live and let live.
Are you settled in Hyderabad?
Yes. I am a proper Hyderabadi now. I celebrated my new year here. My parents visited me for New Year.
Who designed costumes for you?
Deepa Joshi designed my costumes for Lakshyam and Don films. She designed costumes for this film as well. She did a lot of home work and brought Jejamma character the majestic look with appropriate costumes. She made sure that there is strong royal touch to the Jejamma character and subtleness to Arundhati character with her designs.
Deepa Joshi designed my costumes for Lakshyam and Don films. She designed costumes for this film as well. She did a lot of home work and brought Jejamma character the majestic look with appropriate costumes. She made sure that there is strong royal touch to the Jejamma character and subtleness to Arundhati character with her designs.
Tell us about the drum dance in the film?
This song took us around 45 days to shoot. This song integrates the scenes of Pasupathi (played by Sonu Sood) entering Gadwal to the story. There are instrumentation bits in the song. There are some dialogues too. It is like a vital scene narrated in aesthetic style using music and dance. It took so much time because there are lots of graphics involved for this song and the choreographer Shiva Shankar had to coordinate with the graphics team to get the exact precision. There are many set changes in the song. The director went into detailing to make sure that the song is effective.
This song took us around 45 days to shoot. This song integrates the scenes of Pasupathi (played by Sonu Sood) entering Gadwal to the story. There are instrumentation bits in the song. There are some dialogues too. It is like a vital scene narrated in aesthetic style using music and dance. It took so much time because there are lots of graphics involved for this song and the choreographer Shiva Shankar had to coordinate with the graphics team to get the exact precision. There are many set changes in the song. The director went into detailing to make sure that the song is effective.
Is there so much coordination between the shoot and graphics?
Yes. Rahul and others from FireFly were involved in this project since the time of conceptualization. Hence there is seamless integration of graphics in the script work. They know the detailing and helped us by being present at shooting spot for the shots that required graphics work.
Yes. Rahul and others from FireFly were involved in this project since the time of conceptualization. Hence there is seamless integration of graphics in the script work. They know the detailing and helped us by being present at shooting spot for the shots that required graphics work.
Tell us about the music?
Koti scored music. He has done an amazing job. There will be three songs in this film. And there is character to each song in this film. Music will be launched on 10 January.
Koti scored music. He has done an amazing job. There will be three songs in this film. And there is character to each song in this film. Music will be launched on 10 January.
Tell us about Sonu Sood?
Sonu Sood has done a brilliant job. Though his screen presence is less, his voice will act as a character that is present throughout the film. The other character that acts as a bridge between the past and the present is one played by veteran actress Manorama.
Sonu Sood has done a brilliant job. Though his screen presence is less, his voice will act as a character that is present throughout the film. The other character that acts as a bridge between the past and the present is one played by veteran actress Manorama.
Tell us about the producer Shyam Prasad Reddy?
I have a high respect and higher regards to him as a producer. People used to say that Shyam is a passionate producer. And I feel that it is an understatement. He is so clear about what he wants and he gets it to the precision level of 99.9%.
I have a high respect and higher regards to him as a producer. People used to say that Shyam is a passionate producer. And I feel that it is an understatement. He is so clear about what he wants and he gets it to the precision level of 99.9%.
I would like to narrate an incident that shows his commitment level. The set was ready and three designers were summoned to do costumes for Jejamma character. It cost around 4 lacs for the costumes. He asked me to wear them and stand in the set. Immediately he said that it’s not working and asked them scrap the costumes. Any other producer would have hesitated to trash a 4 lac worth costume. He asked me to find another designer and we roped Deepa in.
How many days did you work for Arundhati?
Around 150 days.
Around 150 days.
Was it stressful?
It was stressful physically. But on the psychological level, we were extremely charged up all the time. It was like making a magnum opus. All of us believed that the movie is bigger than individuals. Each and every individual shown 100% commitment and contributed their might. Everybody was focused. There are two guys from Art department (Venkatesh and Krishna) who surprised me with this willingness to go for an extra mile. They used to work for 24 hours and were still willing to do more. There is another guy called Kunkuma Raju who took care of continuity. He is so obsessed with his work that he makes sure that even a strand of hair is perfectly arranged to make sure of continuity.
It was stressful physically. But on the psychological level, we were extremely charged up all the time. It was like making a magnum opus. All of us believed that the movie is bigger than individuals. Each and every individual shown 100% commitment and contributed their might. Everybody was focused. There are two guys from Art department (Venkatesh and Krishna) who surprised me with this willingness to go for an extra mile. They used to work for 24 hours and were still willing to do more. There is another guy called Kunkuma Raju who took care of continuity. He is so obsessed with his work that he makes sure that even a strand of hair is perfectly arranged to make sure of continuity.
What is your gut feel on the film?
I am feeling very positive about the film. I saw the rushes in monitor when the shot was complete at shooting location. I have not seen the final product yet. People might think that it is a horror film. Arundhati is not a horror film. It is a thriller film with every emotion evenly incorporated in it. It has high emotions.
I am feeling very positive about the film. I saw the rushes in monitor when the shot was complete at shooting location. I have not seen the final product yet. People might think that it is a horror film. Arundhati is not a horror film. It is a thriller film with every emotion evenly incorporated in it. It has high emotions.
This is your first female oriented film? Will your story selection criteria change after this film’s release?
I was only 3 films old when I accepted this film. Working for Arundhati is like going to school for me. Arundhati film helped me to grow as an actress. I would like to balance my future projects by doing both masala characters and author backed roles.
I was only 3 films old when I accepted this film. Working for Arundhati is like going to school for me. Arundhati film helped me to grow as an actress. I would like to balance my future projects by doing both masala characters and author backed roles.
What are the other projects you are doing at present?
I am doing Billa with Prabhas. The shooting has been continuously going on in Malaysia since November 2008. I signed Tamil remake of Vikramarkudu with Karthik as hero. I am doing another Tamil film with Vijay as hero.
I am doing Billa with Prabhas. The shooting has been continuously going on in Malaysia since November 2008. I signed Tamil remake of Vikramarkudu with Karthik as hero. I am doing another Tamil film with Vijay as hero.
Do you know Telugu?
I learnt Telugu by watching Telugu TV channels and I can speak Telugu now. That is the best way to pick up any language. Since I am a South Indian, it’s is easy for me to pick up any other south Indian language.
I learnt Telugu by watching Telugu TV channels and I can speak Telugu now. That is the best way to pick up any language. Since I am a South Indian, it’s is easy for me to pick up any other south Indian language.
Don’t you think your debut role in Super is comparatively small?
I am feeling very lucky to have done that role in Super. If I had done a major role in my debut film, my negative features might have got exposed since I did not have any prior experience in acting. I am glad that I did a small role in my first film. Comparatively I had lot of footage in my second film Mahanandi. I learnt a lot from my first two films.
I am feeling very lucky to have done that role in Super. If I had done a major role in my debut film, my negative features might have got exposed since I did not have any prior experience in acting. I am glad that I did a small role in my first film. Comparatively I had lot of footage in my second film Mahanandi. I learnt a lot from my first two films.
Tell us about your character in Vikramarkudu?
I play love interest to Athili Sathi Babu character played by Ravi Teja. I don’t claim that I have big footage in this film, but this character is too different from the other two characters I played in the past.
I play love interest to Athili Sathi Babu character played by Ravi Teja. I don’t claim that I have big footage in this film, but this character is too different from the other two characters I played in the past.
You said that you learnt a lot from this film in the audio launch. What did you learn?
There are small details and nuances Rajamouli pinpointed in my histrionics and I improved over them. The major credit for my performance in Vikramarkudu goes to Rajamouli.
There are small details and nuances Rajamouli pinpointed in my histrionics and I improved over them. The major credit for my performance in Vikramarkudu goes to Rajamouli.
Tell us about your character in Asthram?
I am playing a very bubbly character, who talks first and thinks later. Again, footage for my role in that film is not big. My character is vivacious and brings lots of lightness to a serious film like Asthram.
I am playing a very bubbly character, who talks first and thinks later. Again, footage for my role in that film is not big. My character is vivacious and brings lots of lightness to a serious film like Asthram.
What are your future projects?
I am going to do a heroine oriented project to be produced by M Shyam Prasad Reddy in the direction of Sabhapati. This film will start very soon.
I am going to do a heroine oriented project to be produced by M Shyam Prasad Reddy in the direction of Sabhapati. This film will start very soon.
What do you think are your strengths?
My patience, ability work hard, believing in myself and ability to work along with the people.
My patience, ability work hard, believing in myself and ability to work along with the people.
Do people compare your looks to any actress?
Lot of people compares my looks to that of Kareera Kapoor.
Lot of people compares my looks to that of Kareera Kapoor.
Who are your favorite actor and actresses?
I like Abhishek Bachchan among the actors. I like Madhuri Dixit, Kajol, Rani Mukherjee, Sushmita Sen and lot many actresses. I like different actresses for different qualities.
I like Abhishek Bachchan among the actors. I like Madhuri Dixit, Kajol, Rani Mukherjee, Sushmita Sen and lot many actresses. I like different actresses for different qualities.
What is the most memorable moment in your life?
The moment I took the decision to teach Yoga. I come from a family of doctors and engineers. It was a brave decision to go for Yoga. It got me so far in life.
The moment I took the decision to teach Yoga. I come from a family of doctors and engineers. It was a brave decision to go for Yoga. It got me so far in life.
How helpful is Yoga to your acting profession?
I learnt to be patient and developed good attitude. Yoga brings out the ability to see yourself from another person’s shoes. It brings out a few negative things also.
I learnt to be patient and developed good attitude. Yoga brings out the ability to see yourself from another person’s shoes. It brings out a few negative things also.
Tell us about the heroes you worked so far?
1. Nagarjuna: He made me completely comfortable. He goes out of his way to pull you out. I learnt the ‘believe in yourself’ attitude from him. He asked me to come to set and observe how shooting is going on even when shots involving me were not being shot. I used to be there on location everyday. It helped me a lot to understand what teamwork is all about.
2. Sumanth: He is very silent and quite. He doesn’t talk very much. He has got amazing sense of humor. I think lot of people doesn’t know about that part of him because he is always quite.
3. Ravi Teja: He is a very dedicated actor. His mind is always on the work. He is very chilled, at the same time very focused. It’s very confortable for me to work with such people.
4. Vishnu: We are of same age group. We could relate very easily on certain things. If you see Asthram film, you would notice such chemistry between us. He is always high on sets and I don’t know how he manages such energy levels all the time. When we work with him, he inflicts that energy to you automatically.
What are your hobbies?
I like collecting newspaper articles of natural calamities. I have all those paper clippings with me. I also like collecting quotes and poems. I write sometimes. I like kids and animals. I like trying new things. I like to see small details about how they do things. For example, if a carpenter is at work, I like observing his skill and how he does it.
I like collecting newspaper articles of natural calamities. I have all those paper clippings with me. I also like collecting quotes and poems. I write sometimes. I like kids and animals. I like trying new things. I like to see small details about how they do things. For example, if a carpenter is at work, I like observing his skill and how he does it.
Do you want to say anything to the visitors of idlebrain.com?
Believe in yourself. You might take a wrong decision or you might take a right decision. But stick by your decision. Don’t harm anyone and just be happy! Then you will go places!!
Believe in yourself. You might take a wrong decision or you might take a right decision. But stick by your decision. Don’t harm anyone and just be happy! Then you will go places!!
Tell us about your role in Lakshyam?
I am doing a role that forms an integral part of the story. It is a simple character that is close to my real self. Director Srivas designed the character in an interesting way. There is scope for glamour as well the performance. I avoided make-up for most of the scenes and tried to be my natural self. I am playing the role of a student and my scenes with Brahmanandam gave score for some humor moments.
I am doing a role that forms an integral part of the story. It is a simple character that is close to my real self. Director Srivas designed the character in an interesting way. There is scope for glamour as well the performance. I avoided make-up for most of the scenes and tried to be my natural self. I am playing the role of a student and my scenes with Brahmanandam gave score for some humor moments.
Tell us about working with Gopichand?
I heard a lot about his dad's work and the way Gopichand involves himself in the film amazes me. He gave one of his best performances in certain scenes of the film.
I heard a lot about his dad's work and the way Gopichand involves himself in the film amazes me. He gave one of his best performances in certain scenes of the film.
What are the films you are currently working on?
Okka Magadu, Don, Arundhati and a film to be made by Dasarath with Jagapati Babu as hero.
Okka Magadu, Don, Arundhati and a film to be made by Dasarath with Jagapati Babu as hero.
Okka Magadu:
I am doing one of the heroines with a bit of negative shades.
Don:
I am doing a carefree girl character. I can't reveal more that that.
Arundhati:
It is a performance oriented film. I am doing two characters that belong to two different time zones. It deals with a problem faced by a woman in ancient days. Only 15 days of shoot is left. There will be lot of graphics work. This film is directed by Kodi Rama Krishna and produced by Shyam Prasad Reddy.
I am doing one of the heroines with a bit of negative shades.
Don:
I am doing a carefree girl character. I can't reveal more that that.
Arundhati:
It is a performance oriented film. I am doing two characters that belong to two different time zones. It deals with a problem faced by a woman in ancient days. Only 15 days of shoot is left. There will be lot of graphics work. This film is directed by Kodi Rama Krishna and produced by Shyam Prasad Reddy.
Is your height a problem in real life or in films?
I am not the kind of girl who wears heels in real life. For certain roles in films, it is an advantage. But I wish I were little shorter.
I am not the kind of girl who wears heels in real life. For certain roles in films, it is an advantage. But I wish I were little shorter.
Do you mind marrying a guy who is shorter than you?
If he is a guy whom I knew personally long before marriage, I would not mind. But I don't want to marry a short guy if my marriage happens to be an arranged marriage.
If he is a guy whom I knew personally long before marriage, I would not mind. But I don't want to marry a short guy if my marriage happens to be an arranged marriage.
Are you seeing anyone?
No
No
There were some rumors linking you up with the cinematographer Senthil Kumar?
No. He worked for the first half of Arundhati and we are good friends. That's all!
No. He worked for the first half of Arundhati and we are good friends. That's all!
What kind of guy you want to marry to?
I don't have any set of rules. He should be understanding and I should feel comfortable on 1-1 level.
I don't have any set of rules. He should be understanding and I should feel comfortable on 1-1 level.
How do you maintain your physique?
I workout and do Yoga on regular basis. But my schedules have become hectic these days.
I workout and do Yoga on regular basis. But my schedules have become hectic these days.
You worked with three top heroes Chiranjeevi, Bala Krishna and Nagarjuna? To whom do you feel more comfortable?
Obviously with Nagarjuna because he has been a pillar of support since I entered filmdom. I did an item song with Chiranjeevi and it lasted for 4 days. It was a good experience working with him. Bala Krishna is fun to work with. I was told by others about his short temper before signing the film. But I found him to be easy going.
Obviously with Nagarjuna because he has been a pillar of support since I entered filmdom. I did an item song with Chiranjeevi and it lasted for 4 days. It was a good experience working with him. Bala Krishna is fun to work with. I was told by others about his short temper before signing the film. But I found him to be easy going.
What do you think are your best performances till date?
Vikramarkudu and Super.
Vikramarkudu and Super.
How do you see your growth as an actress?
My career was in low spirits till Vikramarkudu happened. Vikramarkudu got me lot of recognition. People loved my character in that film. Since then I have been getting good attention.
My career was in low spirits till Vikramarkudu happened. Vikramarkudu got me lot of recognition. People loved my character in that film. Since then I have been getting good attention.
What kind of compliments you get?
I get best compliments for my height, eyes and smile.
I get best compliments for my height, eyes and smile.
Did you ever had any bitter experiences when you shoot outdoors?
No. The people out here are very dignified.
No. The people out here are very dignified.