‘My father broke down hearing what people said about me…’: Actress Anusree

Malayalam actress Anusree, who rose to prominence following her debut in Diamond Necklace, has spoken candidly about the emotional toll of her early days in the film industry. Fans often note that despite the glitz and glamour of the film industry, Anusree has stayed grounded and connected to her roots.

In a recent interview with Ginger Media Entertainments, Anusree shared deeply personal experiences of rejection and resilience from her early days in the film industry. The actress, often celebrated for her girl-next-door roles, reflected on how her hometown was not entirely welcoming when she first stepped into cinema.

“When I first entered the film industry, I didn’t feel people would be as encouraging to a girl trying to make her mark, as they are today,” Anusree said. “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 admitted that during those challenging times, she often confided in director Lal Jose. Recalling late-night phone calls, Anusree added, “I would cry to him over the phone. If I cried at home, my family would feel so sad they’d ask me to quit. But Lal Jose sir would comfort me by saying, ‘There will come a day when those who criticise you today will become your biggest supporters.’ And that did come true.”

Her family, especially her father, was not spared from the social backlash. Anusree remembered how she and her mother would return from film sets only to see her father sitting silently at home. “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.”

A particularly emotional incident stayed with her. “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.”

Beyond her professional life, the actress also opened up about what she hopes for in a life partner. “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.”

She reflected on how her outlook on marriage has evolved with time. “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?”

Laughing, she added, “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.”