Throwback: When Anushka Shetty Won Best Actress for Rudhramadevi at the 63rd Filmfare Awards South

Anushka Shetty’s powerful portrayal in Rudhramadevi earned her one of the most prestigious honours in South Indian cinema — the Best Actress (Telugu) award at the 63rd Filmfare Awards South. The moment remains one of the most memorable highlights of her career.

Taking the stage to accept the iconic Black Lady trophy, Anushka delivered a heartfelt speech that reflected gratitude, conviction, and belief in dreams. Thanking director Gunasekhar, she spoke about the importance of holding on to one’s vision despite challenges.

“Each one of us has a dream which maybe we grow up and forget. It’s something I’ve learned from him (Gunasekhar) — that you dream of something and you stick by it,” she said during her acceptance speech.

A Tribute to Faith and Teamwork

Anushka emphasised how dreams flourish when supported by those who truly believe in them. She acknowledged the unwavering encouragement from close friends, family, and collaborators who stood by the ambitious historical project.

“People who are close to you and people who believe in you will always stand by you. That’s how Rudhramadevi happened — he made it happen, him and his family,” she added.

She went on to thank Gunasekhar for casting and trusting her with such a demanding role. The actress also expressed appreciation to her co-stars, including Rana Daggubati and Allu Arjun, along with every individual who contributed to the film’s success.

“I want to thank him for having cast me and trusting me to do this role. And each and every person who supported this film… I want to congratulate Gunasekhar Garu. He and his family definitely deserve this,” she concluded.

A Role That Defined an Era

Rudhramadevi, a grand historical drama, required immense physical and emotional commitment. Anushka’s portrayal of the legendary Kakatiya ruler was widely praised for its intensity and authenticity, further cementing her position as one of Telugu cinema’s leading actresses.

The award not only recognised her performance but also celebrated the scale and ambition of the project.

Looking Ahead to the 70th Filmfare Awards South

As audiences revisit iconic moments from past ceremonies, anticipation builds for the 70th Filmfare Awards South, scheduled to take place on February 21, 2026. The upcoming edition promises a grand celebration of South Indian cinema’s finest achievements.

With Kerala Tourism on board as the Destination Partner, alongside Special Partner Kamar Film Factory and co-powered by Prestige and Sensodent, the ceremony is expected to reflect the legacy and stature associated with the Filmfare brand.

The previous edition, the 69th Filmfare Awards South held in 2024, was hosted by Faria Abdullah, Sundeep Kishan, and Vindhya Vishaka. Tamil film Chithha emerged as the biggest winner, taking home seven awards.

As the industry gears up once again, Anushka Shetty’s unforgettable win for Rudhramadevi remains a defining Filmfare moment — a reminder that when conviction meets opportunity, history is created both on-screen and off.