When you think of South Indian cinema’s powerful actresses, Anushka Shetty’s name immediately comes to mind. Known for her captivating charm, versatile acting, and unforgettable performances in Baahubali, Arundhati, and Bhagatmati, Anushka has carved out a niche that few can match. However, even the most successful stars have moments when they wish they could have changed – and Anushka Shetty is no exception.
In a career spanning nearly two decades, Anushka has made some bold decisions – but one particular career mistake stands out as her biggest. Fans and industry insiders will still discuss how this single decision affected her momentum and visibility in the film industry.
In this article, we’ll discuss what went wrong, why Anushka made that decision, and how it affected the trajectory of her career, as well as explore what she’s done to emerge stronger than ever.
Anushka Shetty: A glimpse into her remarkable career
Before discussing her biggest hits, it is important to remember how influential Anushka Shetty’s career has been.
- Super (2005) opposite Nagarjuna, directed by Puri Jagannath.
- Arundhati (2009), where her outstanding performance earned her widespread critical acclaim.
- Baahubali: The Beginning (2015) and Baahubali: The Conclusion (2017) made her a household name.
Anushka became one of the few actresses who could handle a film on her own terms. Her blend of beauty, strength, and emotional depth endeared her to both audiences and filmmakers.
Yet, despite all this fame, a career choice changed the course of her success story.
The Big Mistake:

After the blockbuster success of Baahubali 2, expectations from Anushka Shetty skyrocketed. Fans were eagerly waiting for her next big project. But instead of capitalizing on her pan-India fame, Anushka decided to turn down several high-profile scripts, including roles in films that later became big hits.
According to reports, she turned down multiple big banner films due to personal reasons and a desire to take a break. While self-care and personal balance are important, in the entertainment world – where visibility matters – long breaks can often prove costly.
During this time, her contemporaries like Nayanthara, Samantha Ruth Prabhu, and Kajal Aggarwal kept signing big projects, confirming their steady dominance in the industry. In the meantime, Anushka’s absence led to speculation, missed opportunities, and a significant reduction in her screen presence.
Why did Anushka Shetty take this decision?
Anushka’s decision wasn’t entirely unreasonable. She reportedly took a break due to health issues and the need for mental and physical rejuvenation after years of continuous shooting. She also became more selective, choosing roles that truly resonated with her rather than signing projects for commercial success.
In the fast-paced film industry, a long career break can divert the attention of the audience. And unfortunately, that’s exactly what happened. Her break resulted in her missing out on several iconic roles, some of which defined the careers of other actresses.
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How this mistake affected her career:
- Lose visibility: Her absence created a void, and audiences gradually turned to new faces.
- Lost opportunities: Roles in potential blockbuster films went to others.
- Industry dilemma: Producers became uncertain about her availability and commitment.
- Delayed comeback: When she finally made a comeback with Nishabdham (2020), it didn’t meet with the critical or commercial success she had hoped for.
While Anushka Shetty’s fan base remains loyal, her momentum in the industry took a noticeable hit.
How Anushka made a comeback:
True stars always rise again, and Anushka Shetty is no exception. Despite her setbacks, she has made efforts to rebuild her image with meaningful projects. Her latest film, Ms. Shetty Mr. Polishetty (2023), has received praise for her natural acting and refreshing chemistry with Naveen Polishetty.
Moreover, her upcoming collaboration hints at a strong second innings. Insiders remind us that she is now focusing on both content-oriented and commercial films, aiming to strike the perfect balance.
Her journey reminds everyone that even the most talented artists can stumble, but resilience and wise choices can always rewrite the narrative.
Lessons from Anushka Shetty’s career journey:
- Time is of the essence – if you step away for too long, momentum can slow down in any field.
- Selectivity is good, but balance is important – being too selective can limit opportunities.
- A comeback requires patience, rebuilding an image and audience trust takes time.
There should be a balance between health and emotions; success is sustainable only when personal well-being is wisely prioritized.
Anushka Shetty remains one of South India’s most admired actresses, powerful, graceful, and deeply talented. Yes, she made what many consider her biggest career mistake by stepping away at her peak. But her honesty, determination, and talent continue to keep her relevant even today.
If anything, her journey is a lesson in resilience and the power of making a comeback. As fans eagerly await her next big project, one thing is certain: Anushka Shetty’s story is far from over.
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Hi readers. I’m Piyali Batabyal, a passionate blogger who loves to share her thoughts, ideas, and experiences across a variety of topics—from lifestyle and beauty to personal growth and creativity. With a curious mind and a love for words.
Alongside my writing, I am also a professional makeup artist with a flair for enhancing natural beauty and creating transformative looks.