I’m proud to be a Kannadiga, but I feel more valued in other industries: Samyuktha Hegde

Three years after she was last seen in the Kannada film Kreem, actor Samyuktha Hegde has a major life update — both personally and professionally. Having moved to Mumbai and set up a new home, she is also excited about signing a new Tamil film alongside Vikram. “It’s now time for Samyuktha 2.0,” she says with a smile.

'The move to Mumbai has been transformative and rewarding'
“I moved to Mumbai late last year, and I’m living the life I’ve always dreamed of. A sprawling 1,700 sq ft apartment is now my home, and yes, I pay a bomb for it. But I can afford this lifestyle today, and having multiple streams of income has helped immensely. “Opportunities beyond films — including social media collaborations and OTT work — have strengthened my financial independence. I can say no when I want to, and that kind of freedom is important. Mumbai has opened up new avenues of work, offers a better professional environment, and honestly, the traffic situation is much better than Bengaluru. I’m happy to say I’m doing amazing,” says Samyuktha.

'The Kannada industry prefers new faces and ‘yes-men’ '
“I’m grateful for the love I continue to receive for Kirik Party. Playing Arya felt close to my heart because she is exactly who I am in real life. I speak my mind, I don’t toe the line simply because someone expects me to, I’m not manipulative, and I value honesty and loyalty. “I love being a Kannadiga and I’m proud of my roots. But the industry often prefers casting new faces, paying them Rs 50,000 or Rs 1 lakh, and wrapping up a film. Somewhere along the way, talent took a back seat and commercial considerations began outweighing merit. “That said, I have no regrets. I have faith in my choices, and I’ve made peace with whatever comes my way,” she says.



“I entered the industry as a naïve college student when I did Kirik Party. While I’ve worked with teams that were kind and respectful towards actors, I’ve also witnessed the other side of the industry, especially because I didn’t have a godfather. “Some experiences can make a young woman quit, shrink herself, and seek comfort in a desk job. But I chose to rise above it all. If there’s one thing I’ve learnt, it’s the importance of standing up for myself and speaking my mind. “I’m glad the recent Janhvi Kapoor episode has sparked conversations around female representation on screen and encouraged solidarity. But I also wish the same support would extend to newcomers, supporting actors, and people who don’t come from privilege or influential backgrounds if similar situations arise in the future,” says Samyuktha.
'Tamil cinema has always appreciated my talent'
“When I was cast in Vikram sir’s film, I was told they had watched a video of me doing pull-ups in a sari, and that’s what made them consider me for the role.
“The film is being directed by Anand Shankar, who has helmed films such as Iru Mugan, Arima Nambi, NOTA and Enemy. Interestingly, the character I play is completely unlike my real-life personality. She comes from a family of caterers, and I love the way the director has envisioned her. “We recently began shooting, and I met Vikram sir on the first day. He came to the set even though he wasn’t scheduled to shoot that day. I loved how unassuming and grounded he was.
“Even my earlier Tamil films — Comali, Puppy and Manmadha Leelai — gave me so much love. Tamil cinema has always been appreciative of my talent and accepted me for who I am. In fact, I often feel more valued in other industries,” says the actor.

'Gen Z has taught us important life lessons'
“Social media is Gen Z’s playground, and I believe they’ve mastered the art of standing up for themselves. They see money for what it is — a tool — rather than carrying the baggage and conditioning that previous generations often attached to it. “Gen Z is finding new ways to earn, is practical, and isn’t constrained by the constant fear of ‘What will society think?’ They are truly living life on their own terms. “I’ve carefully built my world around my family, fitness, adventure, travel and films. I’ll continue to speak my mind, stay resilient, and have the courage to refuse silence. And I hope more people learn to stand up not just for themselves, but for others as well,” concludes Samyuktha.