Going for strong roles

According to Sandalwood actress Anita Bhat, who made her acting debut with ‘Psycho’, the Kannada film industry doesn’t easily accept women in leading roles. But she says the film fraternity cannot be blamed. “The audience is unwilling to accept women in lead roles.”

She is of the opinion that even violence is not appreciated much here. The ‘Silk...Sakkath Hot Maga’ actress adds that if a film like ‘NH10’ were to be remade into Kannada, it would not do very well. “Kannada film viewers are different. While the Tamil and Hindi industries have made space for woman-oriented roles, the Sandalwood industry hasn’t because people here are more soft, don’t like violence and are more orthodox. I put myself in the same category as I couldn’t complete watching ‘NH10’, and nor would I accept such a role. If it were a Tamil or Hindi movie, I would consider the role.”

Anita says that people here will never accept such movies. “They are not ready for such roles; the audience likes only films where a man is in the lead.” She laments over this as she thinks she is capable of hoisting a role on her shoulders, without any help. 

Although her latest film, which is yet to be titled, has her as the main character, she does not call it a full-fledged woman-oriented role.

“The story revolves around me but I’m not the only one. There are background stories of many other characters that add to the film and there’s even a love story involved.” The film, which is in its editing stage, also stars actor Tilak as Anita’s love interest.

Talking about the film, she says, “It is a horror-comedy and I’m the ‘horror’ there. I play a ghost out for revenge but in the end, I don’t take it. There are some really funny parts involved. Also, seven or so students from ‘Abhinaya Taranga’ are part of the film.” She adds that she wanted to star in a horror film because it’s the current trend. “I didn’t want to do a typical horror though, so when I heard a line of the story, I immediately agreed. The film has many new talents working on it. This is unusual and the theme is like ‘Kanchana’.” She calls herself a “good ghost” in reference with the film.

The best part of the film, according to Anita, is the cinematography. “Bala Ganesan from Chennai worked on the film. He made me look pretty – I didn’t even know I could look this beautiful! I’m really happy with the way it’s shot,” she says. 

Anita is grateful that the film is all wrapped up because she is not feeling her best right now.

 “I have a slipped disc from sitting in odd positions with my laptop.” But she says she is “80 to 90 per cent” better now.  She has her lips sealed when it comes to her own production because, “If I keep talking about it, people won’t take me seriously. I’d rather come out with a bang!”