I compete with my own self: Anushka Shetty

After the huge success of Baahubali — The Conclusion, Anushka Shetty is gearing up for yet another big release, the heroine-centric film Bhaagamathie.

“A few have misconstrued it as a ghost movie with a reincarnation theme. But it is a contemporary thriller and she is only a fictitious character. I play an IAS officer Sanjana, which is one of the most thought-provoking characters I have ever done. There was plenty of scope for performance, thanks to director Ashok garu who waited for me with the script from 2012,” says the actress, clarifying, “I am not playing a double role, but the central character has many dimensions to her.”

So, is she capitalising on the trend of female-centric subjects? “No! Never! Basically, cinema is a visual medium where stories need to be told. Filmmakers are here to tell good stories and the audience is ready to lap them up, irrespective of who is featured in it...  I like listening to stories and if I find it striking, I accept it,” explains Anushka.

Was she disappointed that Baahubali didn’t fetch a National Award for her? The actress replies, “I am not keen on a National Award. The kind of recognition and accolades the film got from the people of India is the biggest award for me. I want to do good films and make audiences happy.”

For an actress of her stature, it comes as a surprise that she neither reads newspapers nor is she active on social media platforms. “I don’t subscribe to newspapers at home. I feel my capacity to take things on a day-to-day basis is only this much! As it is, I’m quite stressed out and I don’t want to add to it by reading disturbing news in the morning,” says Anushka, adding that she does not consider anyone as her competitor. “I compete with my own self,” she says confidently.

The actress also reveals that she is a home bird. “Whenever I get free time, I spend it at home and relax doing nothing. I am not a party person. I do have many friends... and yes, I knew Rana even before he got into movies. Besides, I’ve made some good friends at my yoga class,” she shares.

When quizzed if she would campaign for Rajinikanth when he stands for elections, she says, “First of all, Rajini sir won’t call me for such things. Moreover, I am not inclined towards politics.”

As for her alleged link-up and marriage with Prabhas, she asserts, “We are just very good friends. And there’s nothing between Prabhas and me except friendship. We are definitely not getting married.”