Anu Emmanuel exuded graceful charm and radiant confidence during the promotional interviews for her critically praised role in the film The Girlfriend. Known for her ability to handle emotional roles, her fashion choice for the media interaction was a delightful blend of traditional elegance and fresh, vibrant hues.
For the interview, Anu Emmanuel opted for a beautiful sunny yellow saree, featuring delicate floral or botanical patterns in a subtle, contrasting shade of brown or orange throughout the fabric. The lightweight and flowing drape of the saree gave her a soft, elegant silhouette, perfectly suited for a pleasant media interaction.
She paired the vibrant yellow saree with a chic, sleeveless cream blouse. The blouse featured intricate pleated details on the bodice and subtle embroidery or a print, adding a refined textural contrast to the overall ensemble. This blend of classic drape with a detailed, modern blouse highlighted her sophisticated fashion sense.
Anu Emmanuel, who impressed audiences with her performance as Durga in the film, completed her look with minimal yet impactful accessories. She wore delicate gold hoop earrings and a white beaded bracelet, allowing the vibrant colors of her outfit to truly shine. Her hair was styled in soft, cascading waves, and her makeup was kept fresh and dewy, perfectly complementing the cheerful and elegant aesthetic for the media interactions in Hyderabad.
Anu Emmanuel’s Interview: A Focus on Creative Satisfaction and the American Accent of Durga
Finding Creative Fulfillment
Anu Emmanuel revealed that accepting the role in the Rashmika Mandanna-led film was a decision driven by the desire for creative satisfaction. “When she first listened to the story of The Girlfriend, Anu Emmanuel knew that she would derive creative satisfaction from doing the movie. Saying that the film is about women, in this interview, she thanks Geetha Arts for handling the important project with care,” the interview noted.
Reflecting on her past filmography, which includes working opposite major stars like Pawan Kalyan, Allu Arjun, and Karthi, the actress admitted to a shift in priorities. She stated she had “made up her mind to work on movies that have an artistic value,” explaining, “I have done commercial movies in the past. In some of them, I had nothing much to do other than being seen in songs and mouth run-of-the-mill dialogues… While I may not be totally satisfied looking at my filmography, as an actor, I am content.”
The Nuance of Durga and the American Accent
Anu’s portrayal of Durga, who is initially smitten by the male lead’s charms but whose bond with Rashmika’s character, Bhooma, evolves, has been critically praised. The actress revealed her unique preparation for the role under director Rahul Ravindran’s guidance.
“I approached Durga, my character in The Girlfriend, the way director Rahul wanted me to. He wanted me to underplay it and not overdo it with my expressions,” she shared. Despite her initial apprehension about how the audience would receive the character during the first half, the sensitive handling of the role ensured its success. A fascinating detail she revealed was the request for her voice: “I performed the dubbing myself for my character. Rahul specifically requested an American accent, which I felt made Durga’s on-screen portrayal more compelling and natural.”
Addressing Societal Double Standards
The actress passionately addressed the film’s social context, contrasting the scrutiny faced by women versus men. She remarked, “Historically, many female-led films have been overlooked, not due to a lack of quality, but often because they lacked the necessary platform and support.” Furthermore, she noted how “The Girlfriend contrasts the societal pressures placed on women with the far narrower professional and financial expectations typically directed at men.” She concluded that the film follows a “Hollywoodian approach,” focusing on how “each character contributes to the story.”
Though the American-Indian actress is currently based in Hyderabad, she also expressed openness to returning to her home state for projects, confirming, “I auditioned for a part in Aadujeevitham, but couldn’t do it. I will once again start doing Malayalam movies if something interesting comes my way.”