‘Thaka Thaka’ from ‘Picture’ strikes the right chord
Hailing from Mangaluru, Amrutha’s passion for acting began at a very young age. With a clear dream of entering the film industry since childhood, she seized an opportunity when she came across a newspaper advertisement from ETV Kannada seeking actors. She attended an audition at MGM College in Udupi. Months later, a call changed everything. She was cast in the serial Yashodhe for a one day role. The experience was memorable, especially receiving her first paycheck of ₹750. Soon after, she was offered a more substantial role as the hero’s sister while she was still pursuing her B.Com, marking the true beginning of her acting journey.
Support at home played a crucial role, albeit with its challenges. Her mother stood by her from the beginning, offering encouragement despite understandable concerns about the unfamiliar industry. Her father, however, was initially opposed. Strict and traditional, he struggled to accept her decision. Over time, as he witnessed her dedication and growth, his resistance softened, eventually giving way to acceptance, especially as her work demanded travel and commitment.
A turning point came with Ondu Motteya Kathe. What began as a casual suggestion from a friend led to an audition that would redefine her career. Encouraged by her father to at least try, she attended the audition and was soon selected for the role of a lecturer, despite being just 19 at the time. Under the guidance of Raj B Shetty, she underwent workshops that focused on the minutest details of performance. The film, which she joined without expectations or even full knowledge of its story, went on to become a major success, bringing her widespread recognition and confidence.
However, her journey was not without setbacks. The COVID-19 lockdown brought uncertainty, halting projects she had signed. Restless and determined, she moved to Bengaluru after a personal conflict at home, driven by a desire for independence. The initial phase was difficult, auditions were scarce, and she finally landed a role which she was not happy creatively. The role left her questioning her choices, but she persisted, gradually finding her footing.
Regarding Amrutadhaare, Amrutha recalls that she had walked into the audition with high hopes for the role she now plays. However, seeing another artist receive strong appreciation from the crew, she left the set feeling disappointed and convinced she would not be selected. To her surprise, the very next day brought a life changing call confirming her selection. That moment marked a major turning point in her career, as the serial went on to give her recognition, financial stability, and immense popularity making it one of the most defining chapters of her journey.
Despite being from Mangaluru, she had never been approached for a Tulu film before. A fleeting thought about wanting to be part of a project produced by Shilpa Ganesh turned into reality months later. Through an unexpected connection, she became part of the film. Commenting on how she landed the role in the Tulu film Picture, Amrutha shares that it all happened through an unexpected and almost magical chain of events. She recalls that when her friend Nithya Prakash announced in social media that he would be playing the lead in the film, produced by Shilpa Ganesh and presented under the banner of Golden Movies by Ganesh, a thought crossed her mind and she wished she could be the heroine of that film. It was a fleeting thought, especially since she had never been offered a Tulu film despite being from Mangaluru. She even briefly considered asking Nithya about it but held herself back, not wanting to come across as desperate. Eventually, she forgot about it altogether.
Five months later, she had collaboration with a nail artist and things took an unexpected turn. The very next day, the nail artist informed her that she had shared Amrutha’s contact with a manager from a Tulu film production house. Soon after, she received a call from the manager, who told her that producer Shilpa had liked her pictures and felt she would be perfect for a role. At that moment, Amruta admits she did not even realize who Shilpa was. It was only when the manager mentioned her it was Shilpa Ganesh, that everything clicked. This was the very same project she had once casually wished to be part of. The realization filled her with excitement and disbelief.
Shilpa Ganesh then spoke to her directly, expressing that she had seen Amrutha’s television work and felt she was a perfect fit for the character, while also inviting her to meet in person. For Amrutha, the excitement doubled, not just for the opportunity, but for the chance to visit Ganesh’s house, as she had been a fan since childhood. She fondly recalls how her mother was even more thrilled about the visit.
When she met Shilpa Ganesh, the interaction felt warm and genuine, and soon she was told that she would be signed for the film. Just when she thought the moment could not get any bigger, Shilpa suggested they go upstairs to meet Ganesh himself. Amrutha was taken by surprise. She had not even known he was home. Usually reserved with her emotions, she says she could not hold back her excitement that day, feeling like a young fan meeting her idol. She adds that Golden Star Ganesh was simple, kind, and encouraging. He spoke warmly about the project, expressing confidence that the film would do well and that it would be a significant step forward in her career. For Amrutha, the entire experience felt like destiny coming full circle a fleeting wish turning into reality in the most unexpected way.
The shooting experience was both joyful and memorable. Sharing screen space with stalwarts like Aravind Bolar , Bhojaraj Vamanjoor, Devadas Kapikad and Naveen D Padil, was surreal for her. Their humor and camaraderie made the sets lively. Being in her hometown added to the comfort, making the entire experience feel less like work and more like a celebration.
In the film, she plays a homely girl who dreams of marrying into a joint family. While she remains tight lipped about further details, she expresses strong confidence in the project’s quality. The film, set to release on July 24, is expected to be a technically rich production and, in her view, a potential trendsetter for the Tulu film industry.
From a young girl with a dream in Mangaluru to a recognized face across television and cinema, Amrutha Naik’s journey reflects persistence, adaptability, and a quiet belief in destiny.
