Anu Aggarwal, the celebrated actress of the 1990s hit film Aashiqui, has recently shared her views on two contemporary Indian films that have garnered significant attention: SS Rajamouli's RRR and Sandeep Reddy Vanga's Animal. In an exclusive interview, Aggarwal expressed her admiration for both films, acknowledging the evolving landscape of Indian cinema and its increasing ability to resonate with audiences.
Aggarwal revealed that RRR, starring Jr. NTR and Ram Charan, left a particularly strong impression on her. "I'll tell you one of the first films that really impressed me was RRR. I was blown away by that film. I actually watched the whole film," she stated, highlighting her captivation with the movie. RRR, a fictional story about two Indian revolutionaries, has been praised for its grand scale, action sequences, and the powerful performances of its lead actors. Its global success has further cemented the popularity of South Indian films on a national and international level.
Speaking about Animal, starring Ranbir Kapoor, Aggarwal mentioned that she enjoyed the film and appreciates the changing dynamics within the industry. "There are different kinds of films that are being made. The thought process of people has changed," she observed. Animal* is a crime drama that explores complex family relationships and has sparked considerable debate for its portrayal of violence and masculinity. Aggarwal's comments suggest an openness to the diversity of storytelling that is emerging in Indian cinema.
Aggarwal, who has been away from the film industry for several years, also shared her perspective on the current state of Bollywood. She expressed gratitude for the roles she had the opportunity to play and clarified that her departure from the industry was not due to negativity or disappointment. "I didn't leave because of negativity or disappointment. I left because I had achieved everything already, and I wanted to focus more on personal growth," she explained. She finds the current film scene more interesting than it was five or ten years ago, noting the shift in audience preferences and the global surge of South Indian cinema. She observes that audiences are now more selective, seeking meaningful content rather than solely relying on star power. This shift, she says, has inspired her and made her feel motivated to potentially take on new projects.
Aggarwal’s journey in Bollywood began with Aashiqui, which catapulted her to instant fame. She further starred in films such as King Uncle and Janam Kundli. However, she later took a break from the industry to focus on spiritual pursuits and personal growth.
In the interview, Aggarwal also touched upon the changes she has witnessed in the industry over the years. She recalled the era when Bollywood was allegedly influenced by the underworld. "At that time, it was all under-the-table deals. It was ruled by people like Dawood Ibrahim. All the money that was coming into the film industry came from the underworld. It was a completely different scenario," she revealed. She also shared how, after Aashiqui's success, she experienced a similar level of fandom to what Shah Rukh Khan experiences today, with fans traveling from different countries to see her.
Aggarwal's reflections offer a glimpse into both the past and present of Indian cinema, highlighting the evolution of storytelling, audience preferences, and the industry's dynamics. Her appreciation for films like RRR and Animal underscores her openness to the changing tides and her belief in the potential of Indian cinema to connect with audiences on a deeper level.
