Be it movies, OTT or TV, what thrives is dynamic talent: Anupama Gowda

D espite the significant honour of receiving the Karnataka state award for best actor (2019) for Thryambakam, actress Anupama Gowda reveals a surprising reality. “It’s been two months since I received the state award for best actor, yet I haven’t received a single call for a film. While I’m grateful that my talent has been recognised. What hurts is the silence that followed. Not a single offer has come my way after such a significant recognition. I understand that I don’t fit the mould of a ‘commercial cinema heroine,’ but it’s disheartening that even filmmakers from the art house and parallel cinema spaces haven’t reached out. I really don’t know how to crack this code,” says Anupama. Excerpts from a chat:
‘COMPLIMENTS FOR MY ACTING SKILLS KEEP COMING, BUT NOT FILM OFFERS’
Anupama candidly shares the considerable risk she undertook, leaving television to pursue her film aspirations. “After starring in Aa Karaala Ratri (AKR) in 2018, I gave up television for a year, determined to carve a career in films. When I received a lot of critical acclaim for my role in AKR — an author-backed project — I really had my hopes up that I could follow my passion for acting. Well-wishers advised me to leave television because being seen every day could hamper my film prospects, so I arranged my finances, sat at home for a year, and waited for movie offers to come my way. Not many of us have the privilege to take such a risk, and I truly poured my heart into it. But nothing really happened,” says Anupama. “Whenever directors meet me, they say, “neevu acting madbeku” — you must continue acting — but none ever offer me their projects. Whether it’s after winning the award or a music video I post on social media, the compliments for my acting skills keep coming. Even friends who direct or produce have never asked me to be part of their ventures. It hurts, because even if it’s something small, having friends involve you matters a lot,” she adds.
‘I’VE ALWAYS WANTED TO BE KNOWN AS AN ARTISTE FIRST’
Anupama tells us, “I’ve always wanted to be known as an artiste first and an anchor second; today, however, it’s the opposite. At a time when I didn’t see a ray of hope from the film industry, television embraced me once more, providing both financial and emotional support. Frankly, over my 14-plus years in the industry, I’ve been fully paid for only one film. Some projects offered me a low amount due to their small budgets, some haven’t even released, and others never reach the dubbing stage. In comparison, television has given me financial security—even working a few days a month is enough for a good life. They shoot on time, air on time, and pay on time. My dream of being recognised strictly as an artiste may have gone unfulfilled, but at least I have stability, and I still get to face the camera— if not as an actor, then as an anchor.”
‘NEGOTIATING FOR ROLES AND PAYMENTS ARE ALWAYS TOUGH’
Reflecting on her efforts to break into the film industry on her own terms, Anupama recounts, “There have been days when film folks have called me asking, ‘What’s your remuneration?’ even before narrating the role to me. I told them that this isn’t the right way to treat an art form. Give me a proper narration; if I like it, then we can negotiate. I gave up everything and waited. But nothing has happened. At least I won’t have regrets that I never tried,” she says.
‘NEWCOMERS MUST BE OPEN TO ALL KINDS OF OPPORTUNITIES’
Anupama encourages newcomers to the industry to embrace all available avenues, stating, “To all the girls dreaming of making it in this industry, I say: be open to all opportunities: It’s important to go with the flow and embrace any work that comes your way — whether it’s films or television. Do not dismiss work just because it’s from the small screen. Today, fresh faces are in demand everywhere. There was a time when TV stars appeared in four mega soaps; that’s not the case anymore. Be it films, OTT or TV, what thrives is dynamic talent. Make financially viable plans and sort your life accordingly.”