Actress Anjali Sudhakar on playing Renuka in Lakshmi Nivasa: This wasn’t the role I signed up for

Veteran Kannada television actress Anjali Sudhakar has publicly expressed her dissatisfaction with the ongoing serial Lakshmi Nivasa, stating that the role she initially agreed to play has undergone unexpected and unwelcome changes. Anjali portrays the character “Renuka” in the show. At first, Renuka was introduced as a positive character, but over time her arc has taken a negative turn, something the actress claims was never part of the original narrative discussed with her. According to Anjali, the story brief given to her before signing the show was different from what is being presented now. She believes that when actors are recruited, the makers should also clarify how the character will evolve.

If the direction feels unsuitable, she says, actors should have the freedom to decline such changes. Sharing her concerns, the actress explained that Renuka’s character gradually turning negative feels unjustified and appears to be a result of external reasons, such as other actors being unavailable. She has reportedly questioned the director multiple times about her character’s behavior, but the responses have been vague.

She further expressed doubt over whether her character is being sidelined or “killed off” to accommodate others. Anjali added that sudden alterations in her role leave her feeling disrespected and could affect how both the audience and industry peers perceive her as an actor. Despite her grievances, Anjali remains hopeful about resolving the matter. Discussions are said to be underway with the production team.

If the storyline aligns more consistently with the initial promise, she has indicated her willingness to continue in the show. The issue highlights the tensions that often arise between actors’ expectations and the realities of serial production. While Lakshmi Nivasa has been performing strongly in TRP ratings, the controversy has sparked wider discussions about creative transparency and the rights of actors in the television industry.