I Choose Roles That Make a Difference: Phillauri’s Anushka Sharma

Anushka Sharma’s mantra to success says a lot about her.

Anushka Sharma in a scene from Phillauri. (Photo courtesy: Instagram/@anushkasharma)

Cricketer Virat Kohli shared a romantic Valentine's Day message with a photograph of him and Anushka Sharma. Then, on International Women's Day, he tagged her in a social media post. But the actress has always chosen to stay mum about their bond. She says she values privacy.

I value privacy, so I will always hope that people let me be when it comes to my personal space.

Anushka Sharma, Actor

Having said that, Anushka feels blessed to get so much love and affection from her fans.

Scrutiny might not be easy, but it’s a minor aspect of a much more gratifying experience in the long run.

Anushka Sharma

In the recent past, Bollywood celebrities have spoken out more openly about their personal issues, be it about relationships or dealing with depression. But as far as Anushka is concerned, to each his own. The 28 year old star has been a part of the industry for almost nine years now, and has worked in films like Rab Ne Bana Di Jodi, Band Baaja Baaraat, Jab Tak Hai Jaan, PK, NH10, Dil Dhadakne Do, Sultan and Ae Dil Hai Mushkil.

Anushka is also getting the best endorsement deals and she’s on cloud nine about turning producer.

What I have realised so far is that one should just let one’s work do all the talking. I stayed focused on choosing to work in roles that made a difference to a film, and in films that entertained and engaged viewers.

Anushka Sharma

Giving her performances and good scripts priority has paid off for her.

I have worked with filmmakers who matter today and have won the audience’s approval with my commercial successes. So, hard work above all else is the mantra to success. That’s perhaps my biggest learning.

Anushka Sharma

Be it as the vivacious Taani from Rab Ne Bana Di Jodi, the fun-loving Shruti from Band Baaja Baaraat or the strong-headed Meera from her maiden production NH10, Anushka has always shared equal ground with her male contemporaries.

Is that a conscious decision?

I wanted to become an actor, to be part of films that will remain with an audience much after they have left theatres, films that you remember with fondness. So, my decision to take up roles that have something to say and make a difference to how a film shapes up, emerges from that.

Anushka Sharma

Anushka says she took her chances by focusing on strong, empowered and easy-to-relate-to roles.

Since audiences today remember the characters that I have played, and the roles that I have done, it indicates that I chose the right direction. I hope to continue to be part of films where what I play matters.

Anushka Sharma

Anushka is also producing her next film Phillauri under her home banner Clean Slate Films, and she features in it as a friendly ghost. Besides her, the film also stars Diljit Dosanjh, Suraj Sharma (of Life of Pi fame) and Mehreen Pirzada, and is slated to release on March 24 this year. She’s currently shooting for Imtiaz Ali’s The Ring, opposite Shah Rukh Khan.

It (<i>Phillauri</i>) is a funny and entertaining role with an element of intrigue also in play. At this stage, I can’t say anything about Imtiaz Ali’s film, other than the fact that it’s been absolutely fantastic collaborating with him. The film is visually and emotionally rich and engaging.

Anushka Sharma