Anushka Sharma - the producer who is a champion of unconventional stories!

Here we take a look at Anushka Sharma’s extraordinary journey as a producer and celebrate her unconventional stories that challenged Bollywood’s mainstream norms.

It’s been seven years since we last saw Anushka Sharma on the big screen and yet the actress continues to reign over our hearts. Apart from her incredible filmography that testify both critical and commercial acclaim, Anushka is widely looked up to for her fearless authenticity, her no nonsense approach towards life and work and her gumption to voice her opinions on critical causes. 

Be it social justice, gender equality or animal rights, the actress has rarely shied away from using her influence to advocate for the betterment of things. Her belief system is also mirrored in her filmography, both as an actor and as producer, as it is marked by her pursuit to excellence, the urge to create something ‘hatke’ and her belief in never compromising on her core values of integrity and authenticity. 

Sharma turned producer at 25 and launched Clean Slate Filmz in association with her brother Karnesh Sharma in 2013. The company has since played a significant role in reshaping the art of storytelling, both in Hindi film and web series. She's consistently backed complex and unconventional projects that are bold, socially relevant and genre-defying. Other factors that have contributed greatly towards her success as a producer are her willingness to take risks, bank on new talent and create stories that explore uncharted subjects. Be it  gender violence, structural and systematic inequality or psychological thrillers, Anushka has presented the viewers with a wide range of stories with sincerity and conviction. 

Also Read: Saif Ali Khan: The underrated master of experiments and bold choices

These projects are proof!

NH10 

Sharma's debut production, NH10 was a raw and gritty thriller that explored the themes of gender violence and societal divide. The film’s gripping and scathing depiction of a couple experiencing brutal violence during a road trip and its intelligent commentary on patriarchy and rural-urban divide were a breath of fresh air amid Bollywood’s glamorous and over the top dramatic narratives. She also starred in the film along with Neel Bhoopalam, proving her willingness to take on challenging roles and stories. The film set the tone for the kind of content the audience can expect from her production house - authentic, bold and socially relevant while establishing Anushka as a force to reckon with in this realm as well.  

 Pari 

Sharma forayed into newer territories of storytelling with Pari, a psychological horror-drama that combined supernatural folklore with lesser explored topics like mental health and trauma. The film wasn’t a regular Bollywood horror outing as it avoided blending generic troupes of this genre and yet managed to offer a frightening and layered story about a young woman with a mysterious past. The film, in which she also starred, received widespread recognition for its originality and genre defying approach highlighting the production house's hunger for renovation. 

Paatal Lok 

Paatal Lok marked Sharma's debut in the OTT space which went on to become one of the most acclaimed Prime Video crime drama series. The show explored the story of an underrated cop played by the modern day great Jaideep Alhawat trying to solve a complex case amid strong media political nexus. The show was appreciated for handling the themes of caste, corruption, and systemic inequality in India with brutal honesty. Besides, it earned Alhawat his long due fame and recognition as an acting powerhouse. Not to forget, the show’s nuanced characters, layered storytelling along with sharp social commentary played an important part in revolutionizing the content in the Indian OTT space. 

Bulbbul 

Bulbbul, starring Tripti Dimrii and Rahul Bose testified Sharma's commitment towards feminist stories and providing a platform to new talent. Helmed by Anvita Dutt, this supernatural thriller set in 19th-century Bengal presented patriarchy and gender based violence by skillfully blending it with local folklore. This outing, too, received heaps of appreciation for its bold storytelling and powerful take on gender dynamics.  

By providing a platform to the likes of Anvita Dutt, Tripti Dimrii (Bulbbul), Sudip Sharma and Jaideep Alhawat, she has given the industry some really exciting forces at a time when it is failing to churn out impactful content. 

Happy Birthday to this star who keeps bringing something new to the table! May you continue to light up our screens and redefine Indian cinema!