Kamal Ghorui
Growing up in the small town of Kushalnagar in Coorg, Anirudh Bhat remembers a time when there wasn’t even a theatre in the neighbourhood. “My father is a huge movie buff and would buy CDs and make us watch films over the weekend. Even though my parents hail from Sullia in Dakshina Kannada and come from a musically inclined family, cinema was a different story. When I told them I wanted to pursue it while I was doing my bachelor’s in agriculture, they were in for a shock,” he smiles.What followed was a steady, self-built journey. “I dabbled in short films as a student — directing, acting and editing them myself. One film, where I played a transgender character, won me an award, and that reassured my parents that I knew what I was doing. Since then, I have been financially independent. I haven’t taken a penny from them since my student days. I sustain myself by editing documentaries and wedding videos. My short films led to a role in Hoysala, followed by parts in Ibbani Tabbida Ileyali and Mark. Then Rakkasapuradhol came my way — and I auditioned for all of them,” he says. What surprised him most was the response to his performance as a psycho killer. “I never imagined it would be received with so much love. I’ve been around for eight or nine years, but this film brought immense joy to my parents. It made them see my potential—and reaffirmed my belief that I’m on the right path.”Speaking about how the film changed the pace of his career, he says, “After Rakkasapuradhol, I received 15 offers in just 45 days. Many people came to watch the film because of Raj B Shetty, but I’m glad they left noticing me as well. Earlier, I’d get a narration once every two or three months — now the volume is unbelievable.” Despite the surge in opportunities, Anirudh’s focus is clear. “I don’t want to be stereotyped. Many want me to play a psycho killer again, but I’m keen to avoid being typecast. I’m here to be a performer — I don’t care much for entry shots or hero introductions. I’m not here to walk in slow motion into the camera,” he says.
