The Amal Neerad-Mammootty film ‘Bheeshma Parvam’ has been declared a blockbuster hit. And every member of the Anjootti family was welcomed warmly by the audience. Those who have seen the film will be aware that it is Racheal, Michael’s niece who brings the conflict to the narrative. Anagha LK Maruthora excels as Racheal who falls madly in love with Aami (Sreenath Bhasi) and bravely fights for their love. Be it her dancing skills in Parudeesa or her chemistry with Bhasi in ‘Akasham pole’ song, people can’t stop raving about her. Hailing from a village in Kozhikode, today Anagha is an important presence in Telugu and Tamil films as well. She talks about her films and Kozhikode…
Tell us about your beginnings…
My house is near Thottilpalam at Kuttiyadi. I also did my education here. My parents Kuttikrishnan and Leela are govt schoolteachers. Except for the brief period when I did my degree, the rest of my life was here. I have an elder sister. Ever since I was a child, I wanted to be an actor. But it was difficult to get an opening in cinema, for someone who hails from Thottilpalam. You really need to work hard.
How did you come to films?
I finished schooling at Gokulam school and Sreeshailam Sathya Sai Vidyapeetham. I finished my Btech from Chengannur and took MTech from Kozhikode NIT. As part of an internship for MTech, I used to come to Kochi and then started going for film auditions.
First film?
‘Parava’ was the first film I auditioned for and also the first film I acted in. I played Shane Nigam’s love interest in Soubin Shahir’s debut directorial. But my first release was Ranjan Pramod’s ‘Rakshadhikari Baiju.’ My character Rosie was well received. I debuted in Tamil with ‘Natpu thunai.’ So far, I have been part of eight films. Currently, I am shooting for a Tamil and Telugu film.
Which is your next Malayalam film?
I feel blessed to be part of a Mammukka film. And it was just a bonus that it became such a massive hit. I am hopeful of getting great films and characters in Malayalam.
What was the reaction of your family?
They were all skeptical when they saw an MTech graduate like me pursuing cinema. After all, I seem to be running around aimlessly to pursue cinema. But once a film becomes a hit, attitudes change. The success of ‘Bheeshma Parvam’ was a blessing for me.
How are you planning to celebrate Vishu?
At home, I would have celebrated with crackers and great food. Right now I am living in Chennai. There is no Vishu, and I can’t go home right now. So this time Vishu is in Chennai without any festivities.
