From ‘Arundhati’ to ‘Baahubali’: An A-Z tribute to Anushka Shetty’s stellar journey
Marking the birthday of a versatile icon who has captivated fans with unforgettable roles across Indian cinema
Arundhati
By Asjad NazirNov 02, 2024
ANUSHKA SHETTY has mesmerised audiences with her stellar performances in blockbuster films and inspired a new generation of leading ladies.
She is a firm fan favourite, not only for her acting talent but also for her grounded nature, winning personality, and versatility in taking on challenging roles. As the superstar prepares to celebrate her 43rd birthday next Thursday (7), Eastern Eye marks the occasion with an A to Z of her life and illustrious career.
A is for Arundhati: After a rollercoaster start to her career, Shetty achieved superstardom with her exceptional performance in the 2008 horror-fantasy Arundhati. This heroine-centric film featured her in a double role for the first time, earning her the Filmfare Award South (Telugu) for best actress – one of many accolades in her career. The following year, she won the same award for her performance in the 2010 anthology drama Vedam.
B is for Baahubali: The popular actress played the pivotal role of Devasena in the record-breaking movies Baahubali: The Beginning (2015) and Baahubali 2: The Conclusion (2017). Her multi-layered portrayal of the strong and resilient character exuded raw power – earning her widespread critical acclaim.
Baahubali 2: The Conclusion
C is for Cameo: She has made cameos in high-profile films, including Stalin (2006), King (2008), Kedi (2010), Saguni (2012), Soggade Chinni Nayana (2016), and Sye Raa Narasimha Reddy (2019).
D is for Debut: The actress made her debut in Telugu cinema with the 2005 heist-action thriller Super, headlined and produced by established star Nagarjuna. It was during the production of this film that she adopted the first name Anushka (see N). Although the movie performed moderately at the box office, it garnered her significant attention.
E is for Education: Before entering the film industry, she earned a bachelor’s degree in computer applications from Mount Carmel College in Bangalore. Other notable alumni from the same college include Anushka Sharma, Deepika Padukone, and Vasundhara Das.
F is for Favourites: Some of Shetty’s favourite things include white (colour), rice and daal (food), The Alchemist (book), Geetanjali (movie), and Indian classical and ballet (dance forms).
G is for Generous: The big-hearted actress believes in positivity, compassion, gratitude, and giving back. She has supported multiple charitable causes and frequently helps those in need – including providing financial assistance.
H is for Height: Standing at 5 feet 10 inches, she is one of the tallest actresses in Indian cinema. That height has enabled her to portray powerful roles and distinguish herself from other leading ladies.
I is for Irandaam Ulagam: The actress took on a triple role in the ambitious interplanetary fantasy– romance Irandaam Ulagam (2013).
J is for Jokes: It has been reported that the actress suffers from a rare condition known as Pseudobulbar Affect, often referred to as the “laughing disease.” This neurological disorder causes sudden outbursts of uncontrolled laughter or crying, unrelated to the individual’s emotional state. She reportedly shared: “I have a laughing disease. You might wonder, ‘Is laughing a problem?’ For me, it is. If I start laughing, I can’t stop for 15 to 20 minutes.”
K is for Kakatiya: Shetty portrayed the challenging title role in the historical epic Rudramadevi (2015), playing the queen of the Kakatiya dynasty. As one of the first historical 3D films made in India, it earned her several accolades, including multiple best actress awards.
L is for Languages: The multilingual actress has achieved success primarily in Telugu and Tamil cinema. Many of her films have been dubbed into other Indian languages, including Hindi, Kannada, and Malayalam. Her upcoming projects include the Malayalam fantasy thriller Kathanar – The Wild Sorcerer.
Rudramadevi
M is for Mangalore: Born Sweety Shetty in Mangalore, Karnataka, on November 7, 1981, she hails from a Tulu-speaking family and was raised in Bangalore (now Bengaluru).
N is for Name: The popular star’s real name is Sweety Shetty. She adopted the screen name Anushka Shetty during the production of her debut film Super. While one story suggests that the actress chose the name from a baby book, another claims it was inspired by singer Anushka Manchanda, who performed on the film’s soundtrack.
O if for Om Namo Venkatesaya: Shetty portrayed Krishnamma, a devout devotee of Lord Venkateswara, in the 2017 devotional drama Om Namo Venkatesaya. The film, also dubbed in Tamil as Akhilandakoti Brahmandanayagan, was praised for its spiritual themes.
P is for Prabhas: The actress has shared remarkable on-screen chemistry with Prabhas in several successful films, including the Baahubali series, Billa, and Mirchi. While there has been persistent speculation about the two being in a relationship, it has never been confirmed.
Q is for Queen: With an impressive presence in a series of memorable roles and numerous box office successes over 19 years, Shetty is often referred to as the queen of south Indian cinema. She regularly receives top billing and ranks among the highestpaid female film stars in India.
R is for Rendu: Shetty made her Tamil film debut in the action-comedy Rendu, opposite R Madhavan. Following the success of the 2006 film, she went on to balance a career in Telugu and Tamil cinema.
S is for Sabbatical: The actress took a long break after both Baahubali films became massive blockbusters, allowing herself time to recover from injuries and recharge. Since returning to work, she has been highly selective with her projects, despite being in high demand. She once remarked: “None of my films were planned. I am a person who believes in the heart rather than in analytics.”
T is for Transformation: Reports suggest that Shetty gained up to 20 kilos for her role in the 2015 romantic comedy Size Zero.
Through this role, she aimed to boost the confidence of individuals struggling with weight issues and convey the message that beauty is not defined by size. The Telugu film was also shot in Tamil under the title Inji Iduppazhagi.
U is for Underrated: Despite her immense success in south Indian cinema, many experts agree that Shetty has not received the credit or recognition she deserves. One reason is her reluctance to pursue a standalone Bollywood film, reportedly turning down lead roles in Singham (2011) and Tamasha (2015).
V is for Vikramarkudu: The actress collaborated with filmmaker SS Rajamouli for the first time in the 2006 action film Vikramarkudu, marking one of the earliest major successes of her career. Nearly a decade later, she reunited with the acclaimed writer-director for the two record-breaking Baahubali films.
Om Namo Venkatesaya
W is for Wait: Bhaagamathie (2018) director G Ashok waited four years to secure Shetty’s dates. The horror film, shot simultaneously in Tamil and Telugu, went on to become a blockbuster success.
X is for X-factor: Her X-factor lies in her ability to balance commercial and content-driven cinema seamlessly. This versatility has enabled the talented actress to portray a wide range of characters, including a queen, chef, student, deaf-mute artist, elderly woman, goddess, robber, prince, princess, doctor, dancer, reporter, lawyer, extraterrestrial, overweight woman, prostitute, ghost, police officer, warrior, and many more.
Y is for Yoga: Before beginning her acting career, Shetty worked as a certified yoga instructor. Her passion for yoga has remained strong, and she often credits it for maintaining her physical fitness, inner balance, and mental well-being.
Z is for Zodiac: Shetty’s zodiac sign is Scorpio. Positive traits associated with this sign include powerful personalities, leadership qualities, determination, willpower, hard work, commitment, passion, and ambition. She has harnessed these qualities to achieve greatness throughout her career.
Priyanka Chopra Jonas found a taste of home far from home this week. The global star, alongside her manager Anjula Acharia and friends, enjoyed a memorable meal at Michelin-starred chef Vikas Khanna's New York City restaurant, Bungalow.
Honouring heritage and handicrafts over dinner
Khanna shared a touching glimpse into the evening on Instagram. He focused on the restaurant's beautifully adorned glass ceiling, explaining its deeper meaning. "Everyone asks why we decorate it daily when some might not notice," Khanna wrote. His reason was personal: "It’s not just for guests below, but for loved ones watching over us from above. Today, I adorned it especially for Malti Marie Chopra Jonas."
The gathering doubled as a tribute to the upcoming Rath Yatra festival and specifically honoured the skilled artisans of Sambalpur and Western Odisha. Videos showed Khanna tying traditional Sambalpuri handkerchiefs around Priyanka and Anjula's wrists as a meaningful cultural gesture. The rainy NYC backdrop added to the intimate atmosphere.
A satisfied star and return visits
The Indian feast clearly hit the spot. Priyanka reshared a video from Anjula showing Chef Khanna expertly serving dishes, captioning it simply: “Still in a food coma. You’re the best host, Vikas.” Pictures revealed a relaxed Priyanka dressed smartly in a black dress and matching blazer, posing happily with Khanna and her group. This was her second return trip to Bungalow; she previously dined there last year with her husband Nick Jonas, thanking Khanna then for "a taste of home."
While young daughter Malti Marie was mentioned in Khanna's heartfelt caption about the ceiling dedication, she wasn't visible in the shared photos or videos. Fans can next catch Priyanka on screen in the action film Heads of State, streaming on Prime Video 2nd July, where she stars alongside John Cena and Idris Elba.
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Katy Perry and Orlando Bloom clash over space flight as breakup rumours grow
Things seem rocky between long-time couple Katy Perry and Orlando Bloom, with new reports suggesting an argument about Perry’s recent space flight may have added fuel to an already burning fire.
The pop star, who joined an all-female crew for a Blue Origin flight in April, reportedly didn’t get the reaction she hoped for from Bloom. A source claims the actor called the trip “embarrassing” and “ridiculous” during a heated exchange, leaving Perry hurt and confused by the lack of support. Despite publicly backing her before the launch and even being photographed at the site, Bloom allegedly changed his tune behind closed doors.
This tension comes as Bloom prepares to attend Jeff Bezos and Lauren Sánchez’s wedding in Italy this month, but without Perry. The irony? Bezos’ company made Perry’s space journey possible. According to insiders, Perry is upset that Bloom is “insisting” on going to the wedding, especially since she considers the couple her friends, not his. Meanwhile, she’ll be away on her Lifetimes tour and unable to attend herself.
Katy Perry and Orlando Bloom’s space row highlights deeper riftGetty Images
Career struggles and solo appearances spark breakup rumours
While Perry’s upcoming absence from the Bezos wedding has been chalked up to work obligations, sources say there’s more beneath the surface. Reports claim that the singer’s recent career disappointments, particularly the underwhelming reception of her album *143*, have added pressure on the couple’s relationship. Though Bloom was said to be supportive during the aftermath, the stress allegedly caused a noticeable strain between them.
The pair, who got engaged in 2019 and share a four-year-old daughter named Daisy, have weathered storms before, including a brief split in 2017 and a postponed wedding due to the pandemic. But insiders now suggest the relationship may be nearing its end, with one source bluntly stating, “It’s over. They’re just waiting for her tour to wrap before making it official.”
Orlando Bloom slammed Katy Perry’s space flight during argument as insiders say split is imminentGetty Images
Adding to the speculation, Perry was recently spotted without her engagement ring in Melbourne, just days after performing the breakup anthem I’m Still Breathing onstage in Sydney. Her tour ends on 7 December, and many believe the couple might make an announcement soon after.
Neither Perry nor Bloom has commented publicly on the reported fallout. But if the talks are true, a love story that began in 2016 may quietly come to a close before the year does.
Vijay can make a theatre erupt with just his presence. He is often boxed into labels like ‘mass hero’, ‘box-office king’ and ‘Thalapathy’. While those titles fit (no arguments there), they also distract from the core truth – Vijay’s immense acting ability.
As he turns 51 on June 22, it is the perfect time to look beyond the superstardom and revisit seven standout performances that reveal the powerhouse actor beneath the mass-hero persona.
Kaththi: This was the film that silenced critics who believed Vijay could only do ‘mass’ roles. Kaththi was not just a blockbuster – it was a benchmark in his career. And not because of the double role. Vijay pulled off something rare: he made you feel the difference between two men who looked the same but led entirely different lives. His restrained, nuanced portrayal of Jeevanandham, the social activist, stood in sharp contrast to the brash but evolving Kathiresan. The press meet sequence remains a highlight – powerful, emotional, and unforgettable.
Actor Vijay
Thuppakki: This was not just another action film – it redefined the template for commercial Tamil cinema. As army officer Jagadish, Vijay owned every frame with style, confidence and charisma. The tight screenplay fused slick action with smart plot, proving that mainstream cinema could be both intelligent and crowd-pleasing. The iconic interval line, “I’m waiting”, became a cultural moment in itself – short, sharp, and entirely unforgettable.
Mersal: Every superstar has a defining moment, and for Vijay, Mersal was it. Directed by Atlee, who balances emotion with spectacle, the film gave Vijay a platform to showcase his range and command. Playing three characters – Vetri, Maaran and Vetrimaaran – he did not just switch roles; he shifted energy, tone and rhythm. A particularly moving hospital scene peeled away the mass-hero veneer to reveal raw grief and moral outrage. It was a reminder that Vijay’s emotional depth is just as compelling as his screen presence.
Simran and Vijay
Thullatha Manamum Thullum: Long before the Thalapathy era, Vijay charmed audiences with his performance as Kutty, an innocent singer entangled in a tragic love story. There was no grand hero entry here – just a man who had spent years in prison for a crime he did not commit, unsure of whether his lover was still alive. Director Ezhil opened the film on a sombre note, setting the tone for a romantic drama that won hearts, making Vijay and Simran a beloved pair in Tamil cinema. Vijay’s breakdown after learning of his mother’s death – alone, in a toilet – was a quietly devastating scene that showcased his early acting strength.
Master: In Master, Vijay stepped away from his typical invincible roles to play JD, an alcoholic professor haunted by personal failures. This was a flawed, deeply human character – one who made mistakes and sought redemption. Critics noted the vulnerability in his performance as a refreshing shift. Under Lokesh Kanagaraj’s direction, Vijay brought restraint and reflection to the role. And what is rare in Tamil cinema? A superstar letting a co-star (Vijay Sethupathi, in top form as Bhavani) steal scenes – and still holding his ground. Vijay did just that.
Shalini and Vijay
Ghilli: A masterclass in commercial cinema, Ghilli turned Vijay into an unstoppable box-office force. A remake of the Telugu film Okkadu, Dharani’s version arguably outdid the original. Vijay’s energy as Saravanavelu electrified the screen, and Vidyasagar’s soundtrack only amplified the impact. The cat-and-mouse tension with Prakash Raj’s now-iconic antagonist Muthupandi kept viewers hooked. Ghilli redefined action-entertainers and became a cult classic – so much so that its 2024 re-release drew crowds back to cinemas, proving its enduring appeal.
Kadhalukku Mariyadhai: This film was a turning point in Vijay’s career. Under Fazil’s sensitive direction and backed by Ilaiyaraaja’s soulful score, Vijay delivered a measured and mature performance as a young man in love. It was a far cry from the louder roles he would later take on – instead, his portrayal here was rooted in simplicity and sincerity. The film’s success firmly established him as a romantic hero and showed his ability to carry emotional material with conviction. It also redefined what a love story could look like in Tamil cinema at the time, making Vijay a household name.
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Ed Sheeran performs Drive on a racetrack in the new F1 music video
British singer Ed Sheeran is shifting lanes musically. Known for his emotional ballads and acoustic pop, Sheeran has taken a bold turn into rock territory with Drive, a gritty new single written for Brad Pitt’s upcoming Formula One film, F1. The track, released ahead of the film’s 27 June global premiere, shows the singer ditching his usual gentle strumming for loud guitar riffs, pounding drums, and full-throttle energy.
A rock track built for speed and the screen
Sheeran shared that he was invited to write a song for the film and immediately knew he wanted it to feel like a proper “driving song”, something loud, intense, and worthy of the speed and thrill of Formula One. He teamed up with guitarist John Mayer and producer Blake Slatkin to bring that vision to life. The result? A track with Foo Fighters’ Dave Grohl on drums, Pino Palladino on bass, and Rami Jaffee on keys. It’s an all-star crew of rock musicians who helped Sheeran hit the accelerator.
In a behind-the-scenes post, Sheeran said working on Drive reminded him of his earlier soundtrack work, particularly I See Fire for The Hobbit. But this time, he said, the stakes felt different. “This felt like the dream setup,” he wrote. “I love film and art, and to create something tailor-made for a big action scene in a racing film is just special.”
Sheeran joins a stacked soundtrack for F1
Drive will be featured on F1: The Album, which drops alongside the film. Overseen by Atlantic Records’ West Coast president Kevin Weaver, known for producing soundtracks like Barbie: The Album and The Greatest Showman, the album also includes songs by Doja Cat, Burna Boy, RAYE, and Rosé from BLACKPINK.
The film stars Brad Pitt as Sonny Hayes, a former racing champ pulled out of retirement to mentor rising star Joshua Pearce, played by Damson Idris. Directed by Top Gun: Maverick’s Joseph Kosinski and produced by Jerry Bruckheimer with F1 legend Lewis Hamilton, the film promises high-speed drama and big-screen spectacle.
With Drive, Ed Sheeran has stepped far out of his comfort zone and into the driver’s seat of something unexpected and loud. The track is now streaming, and the countdown to F1 begins.
This week sees the release of Aamir Khan’s new film Sitare Zameen Par. Marketed as a ‘spiritual sequel’ to the multi-award-winning 2007 drama Taare Zameen Par, the film is in fact a remake of the 2018 Spanish movie Campeones — and it appears to be packed with copied moments from start to finish.
Social media users have already forensically compared the trailer with the original and pointed out identical scenes, alerting Hindi cinema fans to the 2023 American remake (Champions) and a 2022 German version (Weil wir Champions sind).
Unlike the many Bollywood productions that shamelessly steal storylines without credit, Sitare Zameen Par is an official adaptation. But it is arriving in an era where the remake formula no longer works — and now feels like a desperate, lazy shortcut.
Judging by the performance of most remakes in the past decade, the model is no longer viable. In today’s digital age, recycling someone else’s work is not just commercially risky — it is cultural suicide.
Aamir Khan
In the so-called golden age — or more accurately, the morally grey era — of Hindi cinema, producers routinely lifted entire plots from international films or South Indian blockbusters.
Streaming platforms did not exist, YouTube had not yet archived global cinema, and social media had not empowered legions of film detectives gleefully exposing plagiarism frame by frame. Bollywood operated in a vacuum — and in that silence, rip-offs flourished.
Aamir Khan, ironically now on the receiving end of backlash after the ill-fated Forrest Gump remake Laal Singh Chaddha, was once a master of the borrowed blockbuster.
Akele Hum Akele Tum was essentially Kramer vs. Kramer with playback singing. Mann was a musical version of An Affair to Remember. Ghulam borrowed heavily from On the Waterfront. Dil Hai Ke Manta Nahin was a near-copy of It Happened One Night, and Raja Hindustani drew inspiration from Jab Jab Phool Khile.
Even Ghajini was a remake of a Tamil film, which had itself stolen the core idea from Memento. These films succeeded because most of the audience had never seen the originals.
They were cinematic secrets whispered among cinephiles, not dissected in Instagram reels or exposed in viral X threads.
Back then, it was so easy to plagiarise without consequence that legendary screenwriting duo Salim–Javed regularly lifted scenes and story ideas from global cinema for their 1970s blockbusters.
In the following decade, Javed Akhtar reportedly pitched the story of Main Azaad Hoon (1989) to producers as an original concept — they only discovered after production began that it was lifted from the Hollywood classic Meet John Doe.
While occasional remakes like Kabir Singh and Drishyam have succeeded, most Hindi remakes in recent years have crashed and burned — especially in the age of social media, streamers, and video sharing sites.
The painful list of failures from just the last five years includes Bachchhan Paandey, Jersey, HIT: The First Case, Vikram Vedha, Thank God, Mili, Shehzada, Selfiee, Bholaa, Sarfira, Baby John and Deva.
These films have become redundant because the originals are often available online — and even if you are unaware of the source, someone in the comments section will be happy to point it out.
Hrithik Roshan
Now with Sitare Zameen Par, the cycle repeats. The original Taare Zameen Par worked because it was original and honest.
It was not borrowed from overseas or adapted from the South — it emerged from a sincere concern for children with dyslexia, a subject Bollywood had never explored before.
Trying to recreate that emotional impact through a tired remake formula risks tarnishing the very legacy Aamir Khan helped create.
This is not just another film — it is his third-layer adaptation of a story that has already been remade multiple times in other languages.
But this is not only about Aamir. The industry as a whole must confront the fact that today’s audience is smarter, more connected, and far less forgiving.
In what is arguably the worst creative slump in Hindi cinema history, original storytelling is no longer a luxury — it is a necessity.
Instead of spending crores (over £100,000 or ₹1 crore) on designer costumes, scenic locations and remake rights, Bollywood should be investing in screenwriters.
Remember them? The underpaid, under-credited creatives with actual ideas? They are the ones capable of pulling this industry out of its current rut.
There is a generation of hungry young filmmakers and writers eager to tell new stories. But their scripts are gathering dust while remake kings chase the faded echoes of past glory.
It is time to retire the remake — or at least cut them back drastically.
Audiences deserve better. Bollywood deserves better. Hindi cinema cannot keep indulging the egos of creatives who, frankly, have run out of creativity.
That includes even the so-called perfectionists like Aamir Khan, whose own last home production Laapataa Ladies was not spared plagiarism accusations.
A struggling industry cannot build a future by xeroxing the past. It is time to stop photocopying and start creating.