Anusree recalls her father breaking down in public after hearing what people were saying about her: ‘I even asked if we should shift houses'

Indian Express

a day ago

Although she entered the film industry with a happy heart and tall dreams, it didn't take long for the smile on Malayalam actor Anusree's face to start fading. With no prior connections to the industry, Anusree broke into the world of cinema by catching the attention of veteran filmmaker Lal Jose, who was judging an acting reality show in which she was a contestant. Soon after, she landed the opportunity to debut in his directorial Diamond Necklace (2012), playing one of the three central female characters opposite Fahadh Faasil. Since then, she has gone on to play notable roles in many Malayalam films.
Nonetheless, she recently revealed that her hometown wasn't very welcoming when she first entered the industry. Anusree shared that even some of her so-called friends began speaking behind her back. 'When I first entered the film industry, people weren't as encouraging to a girl trying to make her mark as they are today. Back then, it was painful to hear certain things and I didn't know whom to talk to about it. My friends were all from my hometown. I didn't know how to explain things to them. Maybe some of them were among those criticising me too,' she said during a chat with Ginger Media Entertainments, adding that it was Lal Jose who helped her navigate those difficult times.
A post shared by Anusree Nair (@anusree_luv)
A post shared by Anusree Nair (@anusree_luv)
A post shared by Anusree Nair (@anusree_luv)
Anusree further revealed that such unfair remarks eventually reached her parents, causing them considerable distress. However, in an effort to protect her, they often kept these things to themselves. Sharing how the negativity took a toll on her father, the actor said: 'He would never say anything to me directly. He'd share it with my mother instead. When she told me what people were saying, I used to wonder how they could be so cruel. At one point, I even asked if we should shift houses. But my father never wanted to leave our hometown.'
Despite his efforts to stay strong, Anusree recalled a moment when her father could no longer hold back his emotions and broke down in public. 'Once during an interview shoot, my father broke down because of what people said about me. That's when I realised how much he had been silently bearing. But today, he's proud of me.'
Anusree's most recent film appearances include director Jis Joy's Asif Ali-starrer Thalavan, and Vishnu Mohan's Biju Menon-led Kadha Innuvare.
Opening up about what she hopes for in a life partner, the 34-year-old actor said: 'What I love most is acting. As long as I'm healthy, I want someone who won't place restrictions on me and will allow me to continue acting. When someone gets married at 23, they naturally begin imagining a life in a new household. I stayed back here for ten more years, and now I'm 34. After living here till 34, I don't feel like going somewhere else. So now I think-why not find someone who's willing to come here instead? I'm the youngest in the family, so I don't want a guy who's going to make me set up a new house elsewhere. I'll tell them straight, 'You don't need to set up a separate home-just come and live in mine.' If I find someone like that, I'll tell my mother.'