Popular Kannada actress and former MP Ramya has opened up about her cinematic journey, candidly admitting that she has yet to take on a role that truly challenges her. In a recent podcast appearance on Flip the Script with Shubra, the actress revealed that despite her success, she often felt disconnected from the characters she portrayed.
🎬 Struggles with Stereotypical Roles
Ramya, who was once hailed as the numero uno in Sandalwood, said many of her roles were far removed from her real-life persona as an educated, independent, and opinionated woman.
“I’ve asked directors why I was expected to slit my wrists if the hero said no to me. I’d say, ‘My life goes on,’” she shared, highlighting the lack of agency in many female characters she played.
🎭 A Career of Compromises and Missed Opportunities
Despite a decade-long career and box office hits, Ramya confessed that she often had to “choose the best from what was there”, rather than roles she truly resonated with. Her attempt to break into Telugu cinema with Abhimanyu—a remake of her Kannada debut Abhi—ended in disappointment, curtailing her Tollywood journey.
🎥 Comeback and Creative Aspirations
After a hiatus during which she entered active politics, Ramya is now eyeing a return to cinema. However, she finds herself being offered the same kind of roles she did 20 years ago.
“I’m really looking forward to doing something I have not done… I haven’t really pushed the envelope when it comes to films,” she said.
Ramya has since ventured into film production, backing the critically acclaimed Swathi Mutthina Male Haniye. Though initially attached to Dhananjaya’s Uttarakaanda, she later opted out of the project.
