An actor, director, entrepreneur and mother, Akshatha Pandavapura embodies the spirit of multitasking with ease. A native of Harohalli in Pandavapura taluk of Mandya district, she is the only person from the region to have graduated from the prestigious National School of Drama (NSD), New Delhi.
She has won the State Best Actress awards for her performances in ‘Pallata’ and ‘Pinki Elli’, and her films have been showcased at several international platforms, including the New York Indian Film Festival, the Indian Film Festival of Melbourne and the Ottawa Film Festival in Canada.
In her latest accolade, Akshatha bagged the Filmfare Best Actress award for ‘Koli Esru’ at the Filmfare South Awards 2026 held recently in Kochi.
Akshatha is married to Prasanna Shekar, Director of Rangayana, Shivamogga. The couple has a five-year-old daughter, Gia.
On the occasion of International Women’s Day, Star of Mysore caught up with the award-winning actress to trace her journey through life, theatre and cinema. Excerpts:
By S.N. Venkatnag Sobers
Star of Mysore: How did you develop an interest in theatre?
Akshatha Pandavapura: I have loved the stage since childhood, whether it was watching performances or being part of them. In my native place, a theatre group called ‘Kuvempu Kala Sangha’ used to stage plays and I would take up small roles as a child.
Travelling with the troupe, performing in different places, meeting people and sharing meals, it all felt like a festival. My father also acted in mythological plays during the annual car festival in our village and I would perform alongside him. That is where my fondness for theatre began.
SOM: Take us through your theatre journey.
Akshatha: It has not been an easy journey. My father’s demise in 2006 was a turning point in my life. It changed me as a person. I became more practical and grounded. There were also several personal challenges at the time, including issues related to family and responsibilities, which led me to move to Mysuru to continue my education.
During my time at JSS College for Women, I joined the college theatre troupe in my second year and participated in the ‘College Rangotsava’ organised by Rangayana, Mysuru. That marked my entry into professional theatre. Looking back, moving to Mysuru was one of the best decisions I made.
Later, many people encouraged me to join NINASAM in Heggodu. Though I had not completed my graduation then, I took the step and joined. My time at NINASAM was transformative. After completing the course, I aspired to join the National School of Drama (NSD) in New Delhi.
However, a degree was mandatory and I had several pending papers, especially in English, which I found challenging. But the discipline I gained at NINASAM helped me overcome that. I cleared all 24 backlog papers, applied to NSD and got selected. That remains one of the biggest milestones in my life.
SOM: With such a strong theatre background, how did films happen?
Akshatha: I always had an interest in films. As a child, I watched a lot of movies, especially those starring Upendra. I grew up watching films in touring talkies, at my grandmother’s village and even at neighbours’ homes.
However, after joining NINASAM and later NSD, my focus shifted entirely to theatre. I even wanted to dedicate myself to theatre alone. After completing my studies, I returned to my native place with the idea of starting a theatre movement for farmers and women. But circumstances did not support that plan and I eventually settled in Bengaluru.
I then founded ‘Channel Theatres Pandavapura’ and began working across the State and the country. My solo play ‘Obbalu’ brought me recognition, followed by productions like ‘Leak Out’ and ‘Aduge Maathugalu’ (Kitchen Monologues).
Around that time, I was offered ‘Pallata’ (2015), where I played the lead role. The film earned me a State Award. Before that, I had acted in a few commercial films, but they did not align with what I was looking for. After ‘Pallata’, I decided to focus on meaningful, content-driven cinema.
In recent years, Filmfare has been recognising content-driven films, which is a positive sign for the industry.
When I first heard about my nomination in the Best Actress category, I could hardly believe it. I even checked whether it was under the critics’ or jury category.
SOM: Films like ‘Koli Esru’, which are not mainstream commercial ventures, are now being recognised at platforms like Filmfare. Your thoughts?
Akshatha: It is a very encouraging development. In recent years, Filmfare has been recognising content-driven films, which is a positive sign for the industry.
When I first heard about my nomination in the Best Actress category, I could hardly believe it. I even checked whether it was under the critics’ or jury category, but I was told it was in the main category. It only felt real when my name was announced on stage.
While it is an individual award, being recognised for a non-commercial film gives me immense satisfaction. I hope this encourages more actors, especially women, to take up strong, content- oriented roles.
SOM: How would you summarise your journey from ‘Obbalu’ to Filmfare?
Akshatha: I believe honesty and sincerity in one’s work always find their way. Financially, I may not be very stable even today, but for me, it has never been only about money. Every character I portray, I approach with complete honesty and commitment.
The support and encouragement I have received from people have kept me going. Coming from a humble background and facing several struggles, whatever I have achieved so far gives me confidence that many other girls can also reach great heights in their respective fields. Theatre has been the strongest foundation behind my journey.
SOM: Tell us about your upcoming projects.
Akshatha: I have completed a film titled ‘Kaumudi’, directed by Yashoda Prakash, who is a National Award-winning filmmaker. Following that, I will be seen in my first commercial film, ‘Moda Male Mattu Shyla’, where I play the lead role. It is directed by Rakshith Thirthahalli. Alongside acting, I am also planning to focus on directing a film this year.
SOM: What is your message to women?
Akshatha: Women should immerse themselves in positive and meaningful pursuits. They must express their strength through their work and not be affected by gossip or negativity. It is important to step out, explore new opportunities and break the monotony of routine life.
This post was published on March 22, 2026 6:10 pm