Television taught me commitment to work: Actress Anusha Viswanathan

Q. How was the feeling to get your film screened at the KIFF?

A. I have always felt that my father is recognised for his work nationally much more than in the region where he comes from. As a daughter, I feel he should be respected a lot more in his hometown. At KIFF, it was the first time I saw my father being celebrated in that manner since the time I grew up or became an actress. I was feeling very proud of him. The feeling was insane when I saw a packed house watching the film and giving a standing ovation at the end of it.

Photo courtesy: IBNS File

This film has a non-linear storyline. My father doesn't consider the audience as stupid. He believes the audience has evolved and turned intelligent. I loved the way people enthusiastically watched the film.

Q. Covid period has been showcased in the film. How much could you relate to the script?

A. Obviously it was relatable. The entire planet, I guess, can connect to that period which was very depressing. All of us can relate to that time when people were lonely, lost work and their daily wages. More than actors who are comparatively much privileged, the technicians of our industry struggled to manage their livelihood. Also during Covid, I realised the importance of cinema, which helped people to cope up with the phase.

Anusha Viswanathan | Photo courtesy: IBNS File

Q. Tell us about the theatre experience in the film.

A. The theatre lights were shot beautifully. We had the opportunity to explore the theatre culture of the outskirts. We had actually performed the theatres after thorough research work. Additionally, there are shots about what happens backstage. I loved them! 

Q. How was working under your father?

A. I had apprehensions about how things would turn out. I wondered whether it would be weird or uncomfortable. But surprisingly, our on-set terms were pretty normal. I realised I trust him as a director, whom I think is brilliant, completely. He gave me or any actor full liberty to explore a scene even when he had a particular plan for each. This makes an actor feel like a part of the film in a collaborative way.

Anusha Viswanathan (L) and Ashoke Viswanathan (R) | Photo courtesy: IBNS File

Q. Are you continuing with your hobby of writing?

A. I love to write, read books. Writing has remained a part of my life since I did my Masters in English. I love to write about music. I chase experiences and document them. I have a dream to write poetry and stories on a large scale someday. Let's see how things pan out for me.

Q. How challenging was it to maintain these while shooting for daily soaps?

A. The first few months have been hectic. But after that, my workload reduced as the schedules of mine and Apa-di's (Aparajita Adhya) ran parallelly as the storyline of the serial progressed. Though it was not impossible for me to go on a trip, at least I could spend some time with myself and watch some shows.

Photo courtesy: Anusha Viswanathan Instagram profile

Q. What did you learn from television, the medium which was new to you?

A. A lot. It was a huge amount of learning. The commitment to play a character for about 20-25 days in films is nothing compared to doing the same thing for about nine months in serials. It teaches an actor about commitment as well as technical skills. In daily soaps,  one gets an opportunity to be in the acting ecosystem for a much longer period of time. Now I have a hold on technical aspects so I can focus solely on acting.