No resolutions, just clarity, says Sumukha on his year ahead

The year 2026 is going to be about unapologetic ambition, states Kannada actor Sumukha. Unlike many who chase instant fame, the actor tells Bangalore Times that his journey has been shaped by patience, discipline and a belief in the process — as well as a clear sense of what he is working towards in the new year. ‘FOR ME, IT WAS NEVER JUST ABOUT BECOMING A STAR’ creative. I was constantly watching films, and somewhere in the back of my head, I was certain that I wanted to be an ac tor,” explains Sumukha. Much of his early grounding, he says, came from home. His parents made sure he understood the differ ence between fleeting fame and lasting craft. “They were very clear that it’s not just about becoming a star. It’s about how you become an actor — and that’s what stays with you long-term,” says the actor. Before stepping into films, Sumukha spent years honing his craft on stage. Theatre, he insists, was not a stepping stone but a foundation. “Till 12th grade, I was doing theatre in Bengaluru. After that, I went North, as many of my teachers were connected to the National School of Drama. I spent almost eight years doing theatre, performing live — mostly in Hindi — just to groom myself before entering films,” says the actor.‘EVERYTHING CHANGED WITH COVID AND OTT’ The timing of Sumukha’s transition into cinema coincided with a major shift in the industry. The pandemic and the rise of OTT platforms altered the rules almost overnight. “The conventional path I thought I would take suddenly changed. Everything became about business, market value and numbers, and that shift happened very fast,” he says. “It was great for people without strong networks because they suddenly had more platforms. But I’ve always been a big-screen person. I wanted people to walk into theatres to watch my films,” says the actor, who adds he is currently working on three Kannada films. ‘I STOPPED HIDING MY AMBITION’ “For a long time, I hesitated to say my goal out loud. I thought I had to be careful with my words. But I real ised that made no sense. I’m here because I want to be a superstar — and that dream is what drives me,” he states. Now juggling multiple projects, he says success is no longer about visibility alone, but intent. “I’m not hungry just to stay busy. I want stories that have impact. I’ve seen the journey — from directing a very small-budget film to working with established producers — and that’s given me clarity about what I’m looking for.” ‘NOTHING IS PERMANENT IN THE ENTERTAINMENT FIELD’ Reflecting on the highs and lows of cinema, Sumukha says impermanence has been his biggest lesson. “There’s a day before release @aliaabhatt when you feel you’ve made the best film ever, and a few days later, everything changes. Success fades, and so does failure. We shouldn’t forget that we’re ultimately here to entertain people.” For him, staying true to his dream amid the noise remains the focus. “You have one life, and you have to play your part the way you want to,” he tells us. ‘I’VE STOPPED FORCING THE NEW YEAR TO BE PERFECT’ Sumukha says he no longer believes in dramatic New Year resolutions or rigid self-imposed rules. He says, “I used to do all of that, and it feels great for two or three weeks after New Year, and then it all falls apart. I don’t force that anymore.” Instead, the New Year now begins with honesty and self-awareness. “I’m trying to be honest with myself — about what I want, what I don’t want, and what kind of work excites me. That honesty has brought me a lot of peace,” he explains.