The 'Baahubali' actress trained under Yoga guru Bharat Thakur.
Anyone who follows Telugu cinema knows that most films here are male-centric, where women have very little space. While the heroes get the major limelight, the heroines are just there for romantic subplots and a few song-and-dance sequences that add literally no value to the main plot. However, Anushka Shetty is one exception, who has not only challenged the stereotype but has also set an example with her work. Throughout her career, she has been part of numerous female-oriented films, carving out a separate niche for herself in the industry. Even in those films where she is not playing the lead, she makes sure that her character is significant and impactful, and not just for the sake of glamor.
Anushka Shetty as Devasena in the ‘Baahubali’ franchise
A recipient of several accolades, including three Filmfare Awards South, Anushka celebrates her 43rd birthday today. On this occasion, we share an interesting fact about her that you didn't know.
Yes, you read it absolutely right! Anushka discovered her passionfor Yoga at a very young age and hence trained under Yoga guru Bharat Thakur. After receiving her degree in Bachelor of Computer Science from Mount Carmel College, Bengaluru, she started working as a Yoga instructor. She did it for several years, earning enormous popularity.
Credit: anushkashettyofficial
Notably, it was while working as a Yoga instructor that Anushka received her first film offer.
In several of her interviews and social media posts, Anushka has spoken about how yoga has changed her life.
On the occasion of International Yoga Day a couple of years back, the actress wrote on her Instagram profile, "Happy Yoga Day! The more you learn, the more you understand, the more deeper it grows, the more you unlearn…So much more to learn, unlearn, understand, feel… and just be.”
"A path that has gotten me closer to myself. A path that is my best friend and my biggest critic. A path (for which)every single moment I’m grateful for…A path that is each and everyone’s own unique experience. Ever so grateful always forever to my yoga guru Bharat Thakur for his grace, guidance. And all I can say is I truly believe each one of us have this magic within us. Let’s fail, grow, learn, unlearn, understand, experience, love, love ourselves, and sprinkle a little of that magic dust around us. Smile always! Happy happyhappy Yoga Day.
p.s.: Always remember, there is no another you and each one of you is most precious. So just go out there and be your best version."
Anushka Shetty in a still from ‘Bhaagmathie’
Notably, in one her interviews, Anushka spoke about the insecurity of appearance among people, referring to her experience from her yoga classes. In her words, "When I used to teach yoga in Bangalore and Mumbai, I noticed many clients struggling to cope with their weight. During some days, they would come in with plans to work out harder than usual because of events they'd have to attend later that week. The insecurity of appearance is something everyone goes through... even I."
Interestingly, Anushka Shetty never aspired to become an actress in the first place. While working as a Yoga instructor, she was spotted by director Puri Jagannadh. Things fell into place, paving her way to the Telugu film industry. In 2005, she made her debut with the Telugu film 'Super', which earned her a Filmfare Best Supporting Actress – Telugu nomination.
‘Super’ stars Anushka Shetty, Nagarjuna, Ayesha Takia, and Sonu Sood
Not many know that the actress's real name is Sweety Shetty. During the production of 'Super', director Puri Jagannadh and producer Nagarjuna advised her to adopt a screen name. Out of several options, she eventually went for the name Anushka, based on singer Anushka Manchanda's first name.
Happy Birthday, Anushka. Best Wishes For All Your Upcoming Endeavors!
