Actress Anushka Kaushik, who is currently enjoying the love she’s received for her recent project Patna Shuklla, speaks to The Pioneer over an exclusive chat sharing some interesting in-depth insights working on the project, experience working with Raveena Tandon, and more.
SHIKHA DUGGAL
Patna Shuklla, a courtroom drama, does not have the comedic allure of Jolly LLB, where laughter erupts at the humour in legal professional banter. However, the Anushka Kaushik-led movie takes a more controlled approach, with a much more serious undertone, creating an effective narrative that captivated viewers.
In our exclusive interview, the co-lead exhibits all the in-depth details and how!
Anushka begins by expressing, “Throughout the series, I have not accomplished anything overly remarkable. However, I am delighted to have obtained massive attention and understanding for my character’s development. I accept as true that this cognizance has come at the best second for me. This success is now mine, untouchable by any political impact or power. It has caught me off guard, and I am now enthusiastic to push myself even similarly in future roles.”
Although the story had its flaws and started out to wander off the at times, it is Anushka’s honest and compelling overall performance that lifted the plot and held our attention. Similarly, the Crash Course fame remarks, “While discussing with my director, I had several questions swirling in my head. Referencing information articles proved priceless in gaining a perception of my character’s perspective. I delved past simply the examination scam, conducting an enormous non-public lookup on a range of associated subjects to enhance my personal understanding. I was once that interested! At the end of the day, I was solely feeling horrific about how many humans have been the victims, and no one empathised with them. I named the scamsters ‘vultures’. I could not have fought a hostility like this in opposition to these vultures.”
Portraying a Bhojpuri accent, she says, introduced a considerable venture for her. She further shares, “Emotionally severe scenes posed a specific concern as I naturally revert to my mother tongue all through such moments, complicating my capability to express thoughts authentically. Following the film’s release, I harboured worries about whether or not audiences would notice any slips in my accent; however, to my delight, many approached me with compliments on my good portrayal. While I was once going through the reviews, this part actually stood out for me. I’d like to take a bow to the critics who appreciated me throughout.”
The movie’s plot surrounds around Tanvi Shukla (played by Raveena Tandon), a lawyer in Patna’s lower court, who has her happy family life turned upside down when she decides to fight the case of Rinki Kumari (played by Anushka Kaushik) and sets out to expose a big scam in the education system involving youth icon Raghubir Singh (played by Jatin Goswami).
“Raveena Tandon generously shared her technical insights with me without any hesitation,” shares the Lust Stories 2 actress on her experience working with the OG Raveena Tandon. “She was once deeply engaged in supporting me as I held close to the nuances of working with the camera, which left me amazed. Moreover, she emphasised the significance of retaining a wholesome work-life balance and no longer letting my expert commitments overshadow my private life. I was once especially touched when she prompted me to prioritise spending time with my parents. This recommendation resonated with me so profoundly that I now make it a point to call my mother and father all through each and every break. Thank you, Raveena.”
Then comes a revelation— “In the early ranges of my career, I rejected several scripts.” However, with the upward shove of OTT platforms, she says she is now extra open to distinctive opportunities. “Eventually, I envision a time when I will prioritise ardour over pay and take on fewer projects. This is a transition that all actors experience. I have acquired heartfelt paragraphs in reviews that definitely resonate with me, as well as remarks asking for more of my presence on screen, which is pleasing as an actress. It suggests that viewers are related to my character’s plight. More the merrier types.”
Being on set except for make-up was a first for the Maharani fame. Growing up, she shares, “I usually admired glamorous roles. However, this film shifted my view. It taught me that you can captivate audiences even with heavy makeup. The true depth lies in the narrative, not our appearance. The movie centered on women’s empowerment, which made it simply special.”
Meanwhile, on the work front, she has a film by Maddock films, followed by a show produced by Reliance Entertainment, a music video, and then a few short films that have been getting selected and rewarded at various film festivals. So, a lot of good things are on the way!
