From a yoga instructor with quiet ambition to one of Indian cinema’s most powerful female icons, Anushka Shetty has carved a journey defined by grace, strength, and authenticity. Her evolution from Super to Baahubali reflects not just stardom, but substance and soul.
Humble Beginnings: The yoga teacher who dreamed big (before 2005) Prior to movies, Anushka taught yoga and received training from Bharat Thakur. Her personality and on-screen persona are still characterised by her composed manner and grounded energy from this stage.
2/8
A Promising Debut — Super (2005) With her innate charm and self-assurance, Anushka immediately captured the audience's attention in her Telugu film debut opposite Nagarjuna.
3/8
The Rising Star — Vikramarkudu (2006) She became a leading lady in commercial cinema thanks to this successful movie, which demonstrated her ability to effortlessly appeal to a wide audience while striking a balance between glitz and grit.
4/8
The Game Changer — Arundhati (2009) Her portrayal of the fierce queen Arundhati became a cultural phenomenon. The film’s success redefined her career and gave her the title “Lady Superstar” of South Indian cinema.
The Warrior Spirit — Rudhramadevi (2015) Anushka changed into the legendary queen Rudhramadevi, displaying grace, power, and leadership. Her position as one of India's best female leads was cemented by her performance.
6/8
The Pan-India Icon — Baahubali Series (2015–2017) Millions of people were moved by her portrayal of Devasena as proud, courageous, and dignified. She was acclaimed for her emotional depth and regal presence, making her a household name throughout India.
7/8
Versatility Beyond Swords and Thrones — Size Zero & Bhaagamathie (2015–2018) Anushka defied expectations by addressing body image issues in Size Zero and directing a horror-thriller like Bhaagamathie, demonstrating that substance is more important than glitz.
8/8
The Private Star — Strength in Silence (Post-2018) Unlike many, she prefers privacy over constant publicity. Her rare interviews and grounded lifestyle have made her one of the most respected and enigmatic stars in the industry.
