Receiving Smita Patil award validates my choices: Anushka Sharma

Actress Anushka Sharma said receiving the Smita Patil Memorial Award for Best Actor is a special recognition of the choices she has made throughout her decade-long career in the film industry.

Anushka was speaking to the media in Mumbai on Wednesday during the 34th edition of the Priyadarshini Academy Global Awards 2018, where she was honoured with the award.

The recognition came on a particularly significant day for the actress as she completed 10 years in the film industry. Anushka made her Bollywood debut in 2008 opposite Shah Rukh Khan in Rab Ne Bana Di Jodi.

“It's a special day for me because I completed 10 years in the industry on this day. So receiving this award validates the choices that I made in my career,” she said.

Anushka pointed out that she entered the industry without a family background in films and had to navigate her career without guidance from relatives or parents familiar with the workings of Bollywood.

“I don't come from a film background. I didn't have anyone to guide me in my journey,” she said, adding that her parents also had no connection with the film industry.

Reflecting on her journey, the actress credited writers and directors for giving her opportunities to portray varied characters. She said strong writing and a filmmaker's vision are crucial to shaping an actor's career.

“I also want to thank all the writers who wrote amazing roles for me and the directors who envisioned me in those roles,” she said.

Anushka also expressed gratitude to audiences and supporters around the world for accepting her for who she is and standing by her career.

The award carries particular significance for her because of the legacy of Smita Patil, one of Indian cinema's most respected actresses. Anushka said Patil's willingness to take unconventional and challenging roles continues to inspire generations of performers.

She praised Patil for refusing to simply follow established industry conventions and for making bold choices through her work.

Anushka was also preparing at the time for the release of Sui Dhaaga, a film that brought together her and Varun Dhawan in a story centred on self-reliance, traditional skills and entrepreneurship.

Directed by Sharat Katariya and produced by Maneesh Sharma under the Yash Raj Films banner, Sui Dhaaga was inspired by the government's Make in India initiative, which sought to promote domestic manufacturing and indigenous industries, including the textile sector.

For Anushka, the award therefore marked more than another addition to her list of honours. Coming at the end of her first decade in Bollywood, it served as recognition of a career built around diverse roles and a willingness to move beyond conventional choices.