I am a naadan pennu, and that’s what I love to play in films too: Anu SIthara

It’s raining projects for Anu Sithara, who, till about a year ago, was only seen in character roles in Mollywood. The dancer-turned-actress from Wayanad already has five upcoming releases in which she plays the heroine. Anu, who is currently shooting for Captain with Jayasurya, tells us more about her films, pursuing dance and why Mollywood is where she belongs:
You are part of almost every other project now…
My first film was Pottas Bomb in 2013 and after that I did several character roles for a while.Be it Oru Indian Pranayakadha, Anarkali or other films, they were all helmed by experienced filmmakers and crew, and my roles also left a mark, I believe. Nobody even knew me then. And once Happy Wedding happened, I guess the industry took notice and accepted me as someone worthy of being a leading lady. I feel great that I’m getting good roles now, and I’m doing my best to do justice to them.
Tell us about your role in Captain
The film is based on the real story of footballer V P Sathyan, played by Jayasurya, and I act as Anitha Sathyan, his wife. She is someone who was born into a Nair family and grew up obeying her dad and mom, completely. She was, however, quite educated for those times, even going to Coimbatore for her studies. There are three timelines in the film — the periods before and after marriage, and post motherhood. So, my looks are moulded likewise. Basically, we show events from the 90s to 2006. You would see me in polka dot dresses, loose salwars, puff-sleeved tops, saris and more.
It’s your second film with Jayasurya after Fukri…
I was relieved when I knew I would be working with him in the film. We first met on the set of Fukri. The same day we had to do our first scene together as well. I was wondering whether he will like my way of acting, but he put me at ease. Even when some of the scenes went for multiple takes, he was supportive. That helped me to work in this movie as well.
For Ranjith Sankar’s Ramante Edenthottam, you play a middle-aged character…
Yes. My character Malini, who is the wife of Raman played by Kunchacko Boban, is married, has a child and considers her home her world. She is someone who hails from a big city, but likes to live close to nature, in a village.
The film by itself gives more importance to relationships. And it was a pleasure working with Kunchacko Boban, who is a sweetheart.
Your character Prayaga in Achayans has quite a different look too than the ones you usually do…
Yes. Though a gentle soul, she is a modern girl in style. She and Rita, Amala Paul’s character, are best friends.
Though we were both part of Oru Indian Pranayakadha, in which I played her mom’s younger self, we hadn’t met. I had wished then that I got to shake hands with her. On the set of Achayans, I went and introduced myself as ‘I was your mother in a film, remember me?’ She was surprised to learn that, and just like in the movie, we became friends. She is a caring person, and used to be attentive about my costumes, make up, styling and would also give me tips.
Tell us about your character Linda in Sarvopari Palakkaran…
She is a typical Kottayamkari achayathi, who is very talkative and speaks her mind. She is mindful about her looks and carries herself well. We shot in Kottayam and so, I got to hear the slang a lot and that helped.
After Oru Indian Pranayakadha, you play a schoolgirl yet again in Naval Enna Jewel...
I am a ninth grader girl in the movie, named Asma, and I play the childhood of Shweta Menon’s character. We had finished the film’s shoot a long time ago and now it’s been sent to various film festivals. Arabikkalyanam is an important aspect of the film. I like attempting such characters and going back in time. It’s not easy to portray innocence convincingly. It should reflect in every little thing that you do, and the film had many such scenes — coming back from school, holding the tiffin box, playing etc. It was fun shooting for the film in Palakkad.
You also did two Tamil films in between. Are you waiting for better opportunities in other industries?
The films, Veri and Podhu Nalan Karudhi, haven’t been released yet. I am not very keen to do films in other industries, where filmmaking is more time consuming compared to Mollywood. I am very comfortable here. I have mostly played naadan roles and that’s what I like too. It’s probably also because I am quite naadan in real life.
You have been a star dancer in kalolsavams and even studied in the Kerala Kalamandalam. Is dance still part of your life?
Yes. Dance is a big part of my family too, with my mom and her sister being dancers. I am running a dance school in Wayanad and so am in touch with the art form I love.