Mangaluru: National Award-winning actress Roopashree Varkadi has described her Best Supporting Actress honour for the Kannada film Mithya as the most fulfilling moment of her career, saying it made every struggle worthwhile. Addressing a press conference at the Mangaluru Press Club on Wednesday, the actor said she had never imagined receiving such a prestigious recognition after more than two decades in theatre and cinema.
Joining her at the press conference were Mithya director Sumanth Bhat and child actor Atish, who also received a National Film Award for his performance in the film.
Roopashree celebrates career-defining achievement
Expressing her happiness, Roopashree said the National Film Award was an unforgettable milestone in her artistic journey.
“I never imagined that I would receive a National Award for my acting. This recognition has brought me immense happiness. After facing many ups and downs in my career, this award has made the journey truly worthwhile,” she said.
The actress noted that the honour was the result of years of dedication to theatre and cinema, adding that the recognition has motivated her to continue pursuing meaningful roles.
A journey spanning over 25 years
Reflecting on her career, Roopashree said she has spent more than 25 years in the performing arts and has acted in over 700 Kannada and Tulu plays, performing on stage more than 4,000 times.
She began her professional theatre career with director Vijay Kumar Kodialbail’s play Samsarada Circus and later worked with several theatre groups across Karnataka.
Roopashree also underwent formal theatre training under Christopher Ninasam and Vidhu Uchil Rangayana, experiences she said played a significant role in shaping her acting career.
Recognised across theatre and cinema
Over the years, Roopashree has earned several accolades for her performances.
She received the Red FM Tulu Film Award for Best Supporting Actress in 2017 and 2025. At the CFA Awards organised by Sandhya Creations, she won the Best Supporting Actress award for three consecutive years and was also honoured with the Versatile Actor Award.
Her filmography includes acclaimed productions that have won prestigious honours. Byari received the National Film Award (Swarna Kamal), Jeetige earned a National Award, while Triple Talaq won a Karnataka State Film Award.
A native of Vargadi village in Manjeshwar taluk of Kasaragod district, Roopashree is the daughter of Harish and the late Hemavathi. She has acted in more than 85 films in Tulu, Kannada, Konkani, Beary and Arebhashe languages.
Atish says dream has become reality
Child actor Atish, who won a National Film Award for his role in Mithya, said the honour marked the fulfilment of a lifelong ambition.
“I had almost given up hope of winning a National Award as a child actor. Receiving this honour for Mithya has made one of my biggest dreams come true,” he said.
He thanked the film’s cast and crew for their support and said the recognition would inspire him to continue acting.
Sumanth Bhat credits Rakshit Shetty’s encouragement
Director Sumanth Bhat said actor Rakshit Shetty played a crucial role in motivating him to become a filmmaker.
He recalled that during 2008–09, while working at a software company, he collaborated with Rakshit Shetty on several documentaries.
According to Sumanth, Rakshit later encouraged him to enter filmmaking, saying the industry needed new talent.
“When I narrated the story of Mithya to him, he immediately supported the project and agreed to produce it. He told me not to worry about commercial returns and simply focus on making the film. I never imagined that Mithya would go on to win three National Awards,” Sumanth said.
He added that the recognition belongs to the entire team whose collective effort helped bring the story to life.
A proud moment for coastal Karnataka
The success of Mithya has brought pride to coastal Karnataka, with both Roopashree Varkadi and director Sumanth Bhat hailing from the region. Their achievements at the National Film Awards highlight the growing contribution of artistes from the coastal belt to Indian cinema.
Conclusion
The National Film Awards have marked a significant milestone for the Mithya team, with Roopashree Varkadi, child actor Atish and director Sumanth Bhat celebrating the film’s success. Their achievements underline the strength of regional storytelling and the growing recognition of talent from coastal Karnataka on the national stage.