Akshara Gowda Interview
Most of the time, you think everyone is watching you, but honestly, they’re too busy living their own lives
Q. You began your journey as what some might have seen as a glam doll, but over time you’ve broken stereotypes - taking on roles that show your range. Which character you’ve played so far is the most heart-touching or closest to you, and why does it stay with you?
When I began, I was definitely seen more as a 'glam doll,' and I have no complaints about that because I still get viewed that way sometimes, and I actually enjoy that side of me. But breaking stereotypes was never a conscious, strategic decision. It happened because at some point I got bored of doing the same kind of glamorous roles repeatedly, especially when everyone wanted to see me in only that space. So whenever I felt things were becoming too repetitive, I chose something different and challenging instead.
At the same time, as an actor, you don’t always have a hundred options on your plate, especially in the early or mid stages of your career. You simply pick the best and most different option from what comes your way. Maybe that’s how I ended up breaking a few stereotypes without planning it.
As for a single 'most heart-touching' or 'closest' character, I honestly feel I haven’t yet done my absolute favorite role. There’s still a lot of potential in me that hasn’t been fully tapped. So I feel like I’ll be able to answer this question more honestly in a year or two, when a role truly stays with me long after the cameras are off.
Q. Acting across Tamil, Hindi, Kannada, and Telugu - how do you balance the different film industries’ demands while staying true to your craft and personal identity?
I feel very lucky that I’ve had the opportunity to work across almost all major South industries as well as Hindi. People often assume there’s a complex balancing act between these industries, but for me, it’s actually simpler than that. At the core, no matter what the language is - Tamil, Kannada, Telugu, or Hindi - everyone on a film set is coming together with the same intention: to make the best film they can, giving it everything they have.
On a human level, I don’t find big differences between industries. Every director I’ve worked with, in every language, wants to stand out and make a good film. Every actor is sincere and true to their craft. Apart from the language difference - which also doesn’t feel like a barrier because I can speak all these languages - I don’t think there’s a huge difference in terms of craft, passion, or intent. That makes it easy for me to remain myself and stay true to my identity, no matter which industry I’m working in.
Q. Outside of films and shoots, what does a regular day in Akshara’s life look like? How do you recharge, and what helps you stay mentally and emotionally balanced?
In recent times, my idea of balance and happiness has changed a lot, especially after becoming a mother. A regular day now is less about chasing the next thing and more about being present. My daughter and my dog play a huge role in grounding me. Watching my little one just start to interact with my dog has become one of the purest joys of my day. It reminds me that sometimes we all live for these small, beautiful moments.
Because of that, I feel much calmer than before. I’m no longer running behind fame, money, or roles in the same restless way. Happiness now feels like being with my tiny human, seeing her grow, and watching that bond with my pet. That presence, that feeling of “this is enough,” keeps me mentally and emotionally balanced. Professionally, I still have goals, but personally, I’m very content in this phase of life.
Q. We’ve heard you are an animal lover and have a pet dog. What role does your pet play in your life, and how does having a furry friend influence your perspective away from the spotlight?
Yes, I am a complete animal lover and I do have dogs. I often say they prepared me to be a better mother to my human baby because, for the longest time, I called them my kids first. The emotional depth I’ve experienced with them is something I never anticipated - so much love, worry, and responsibility, especially when they’re unwell.
When one of my dogs recently got tick fever, I stopped working for almost three months just to be fully present for his treatment because I’d been told he might not survive. Today, he’s healthy, and that journey changed me deeply.
Experiencing that range of emotions for them - fear, hope, relief, gratitude - has not only shaped me as a person, but also as an actor. It’s made my emotional world richer and more sensitive. They’ve shown me how unconditional love feels and, in many ways, they truly prepared me for motherhood. Away from the spotlight, my pets remind me what really matters and keep my heart soft and grounded.
Q. Many emerging actors look up to you. What advice would you give to young talents who want to step into this industry, especially those worried about typecasting or societal judgment?
To all the young actors who look up to me or seek advice about being judged or typecast, the first thing I would say is: ask yourself, who are “they”? Who are these people to judge you, to label you, or to define what you can or cannot be? The more you let other people’s opinions control you, the more you shrink your own possibilities. You have to care less - genuinely care less - and you’ll be much happier.
Do your work for your own growth, not for the approval of others. Most of the time, you think everyone is watching and judging you, but the reality is that people are busy with their own lives. They might see a picture or a film and make a passing comment, but they don’t sit and dissect your entire existence. So live and let live. Be true to yourself and please care less about what everybody else thinks - because, frankly, they’re not thinking about you as much as you think they are. That freedom is where your real power as an artist lies.
Q. Your Instagram bio has a very confident, playful tone. What’s the deeper meaning behind it, and what part of your personality does it truly reflect?
My Instagram bio says something along the lines of 'Don’t let Instagram fool you, you’re still a nobody,' and a lot of people ask me about it. I genuinely believe that just because you have a few million followers, it doesn’t automatically make you “somebody” in the real world.
I’ve seen actors who command massive box office openings, worth crores and crores, and they don’t even have that many followers. On the other hand, there are people with huge follower counts, but that doesn’t necessarily translate into people buying tickets and coming to watch them in theatres.
For me, Instagram is a very superficial world that we’ve collectively created. It can trick you into thinking you’re more important than you actually are just because many faceless accounts follow you. That line in my bio is a reminder - to myself and to others - that social media isn’t real validation. It reflects the side of me that is grounded, a bit philosophical, and slightly cheeky. It’s deeper than it sounds, and even though I struggle to fully explain it, it keeps me rooted in reality.
Q. The audience often expects glamour, but you’ve shown you can play diverse roles. Is there a dream role or genre you haven’t yet explored - something you’re eager to try soon?
I genuinely enjoy doing glamorous roles; I don’t look down on them at all. In fact, I feel it takes a lot of confidence - both in your body and in your mind - to carry off glamour convincingly. It’s not as easy as people think to bare your skin or step into that space if you’re not internally prepared to own it. So I respect that aspect of my work.
At the same time, I have a few dream spaces I’d love to explore. I really want to do something mythological and also a full-on action role, like a spy thriller in the zone of what Angelina Jolie did in 'Salt.' Action is a genre I’m very curious about. I’d also love to play a psychologically complex or 'psycho' character - something very different from who I am in real life.
My personal life is actually quite simple and even boring at times, so I’d like to make it interesting on screen by exploring darker, deeper, and more layered roles.
Q. Looking ahead, what’s next for Akshara in 2025? Any upcoming projects, films, or personal goals you’re excited about, that your fans should watch out for?
This question actually reminds me of my 2023 birthday, when someone asked me to make a wish before cutting the cake. I remember thinking, “I think I have everything… maybe I should have a baby,” and then I ended up having a baby in 2024. That alone makes me feel like a bit of a master manifester.
Professionally, I’ve signed two Telugu films that I’m very excited about, and I’m also in talks for a couple more projects - one in Hindi and another in Telugu. I’ve completed two Kannada films as well, which are fully wrapped and, hopefully, will release in 2026.
Looking ahead, my personal goal is quite simple: to be happy and glowing. Motherhood has calmed me down a lot. I’m not running behind roles, fame, or money with the same hunger as before. Right now, happiness for me is my tiny human being and these everyday moments - like watching her just starting to interact with my dog and feeling like, 'Maybe this is what we live for.' I don’t have a rigid list of goals at the moment. I’d just say fans should watch out for my upcoming films, and I genuinely wish them all the happiness in the world.
Bio:
Akshara Gowda is an Indian actress and model known for her striking screen presence across Bollywood, Tamil, and Telugu films. From Thuppakki and Arrambam to Bogan and Laal Singh Chaddha, she has built a reputation for elegance, versatility, and effortless style. A fitness and travel enthusiast, Akshara continues to explore bold roles on screen while inspiring audiences through her authentic, confident digital presence.
Interviewed by: Gunjan Joshi
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