For actress Sapthami Gowda, the Bangalore Times supplement is not just a part of the daily news; it's a cherished thread woven through the fabric of her life, long before the spotlight of cinema found her. Her connection with the publication spans from her school days to her rise in the film industry, creating a uniquely personal narrative of growth alongside the city of Bengaluru itself.
A Childhood Ritual and First Feature
Growing up, the arrival of the Times of India newspaper was a daily event in Sapthami's home. The family's immediate ritual was to seek out the vibrant Bangalore Times supplement. It was the hub of colour, featuring fashion, films, lifestyle, and local city stories. Sundays held a special excitement, with the family genuinely looking forward to its content. This early exposure was complemented by school assignments that required newspaper reading, but Sapthami always gravitated first towards Bangalore Times for its comic strips, crosswords, and TV schedules, which helped her track favourite shows like Mr. Bean and animated series.
Her relationship with the supplement transformed from reader to subject early in her acting career. Her first feature coincided with the release of her film Popcorn Monkey Tiger. She vividly recalls visiting the MG Road office for an interview and photoshoot. The session began with a small interview, followed by pictures on the office staircase and even out on the bustling MG Road with co-stars Dhananjaya and Amrutha as part of the film's promotion.
The Unforgettable Impact of Print
What made that debut feature truly magical was the element of surprise. The publication was unannounced, and Sapthami herself was unaware of its release date. The reality hit when friends began calling to say, “We saw you on Bangalore Times. Is this really happening?” That moment cemented the milestone. She remembers being particularly meticulous about her preparation for that shoot, choosing a yellow salwar with care, knowing the wide reach and significance of appearing in Bangalore Times.
Beyond personal milestones, the actress credits the supplement with helping her understand and connect with Bengaluru. It was a window to city events, from the Lalbagh flower show to issues concerning Sankey Tank, with inviting photographs that encouraged readers to explore their own city.
A Bond That Grew With the City
As Sapthami's career progressed, her association with Bangalore Times deepened significantly. A major moment was when the paper was among the first to reach out following the announcement of the blockbuster Kantara, after which promotional activities intensified. This led to numerous features, festival shoots, and holiday pictures in the following years.
This bond feels profoundly meaningful due to a parallel timeline of growth. Bangalore Times was launched in 1997, just a year after Sapthami Gowda was born in 1996. She reflects on how the paper evolved as Bengaluru expanded, and in a way, her own journey from a schoolgirl reader to a featured actor mirrors that growth. This synchronicity makes her journey with the publication feel deeply personal, marking not just career highlights but chapters of a shared history with her city.
