Kannada film director Indrajit Lankesh, who plans to debut his son Samarjit Lankesh as a leading actor in the movie Gowri, discusses the factors that led to the decision to cast his son, the associated challenges, and the key lessons learned from this experience. Here are some key points from the conversation:
- Was it always part of the plan to introduce your son as a lead actor in Gowri?
Indrajit reveals that working with Samarjit was not initially planned. He wanted his son to carve out his own path and Samarjit was diligently preparing for that. With a background in theatre, acting training in New York, and experience as an assistant director on Kannada films, Samarjit had been honing his skills. Indrajit, known for introducing new talent, felt that Samarjit was ready for the role in Gowri after carefully assessing his suitability through an audition and screen test.
- What is your perspective on nepotism?
Expressing his view on nepotism, Indrajit shares that being part of a film family may have posed more challenges than advantages for Samarjit. While star kids inherit a built-in fan base from their famous parents, they also face the pressure of living up to or surpassing their parents' legacy. Overcoming comparisons to their parents and establishing their own identity is a formidable task. Indrajit personally understands this struggle, having been compared to his father P Lankesh, a revered figure in writing, directing, and journalism. He highlights the importance of forging one's own path and creating a unique mark separate from parental influence.Regarding Samarjit, I am not an actor and do not have a fan base for him to rely on. As a director and journalist, I have faced controversies for my bold statements. Samarjit must distance himself from this reputation and begin anew. Initially, working with my son was not as expected due to creative differences. His background in theatre led him to focus on character details that we overlooked. He brings a realistic approach to filmmaking and acting, drawing on his nuanced understanding of scripts. I have learned from him, noting that my lack of theatre experience was a disadvantage. Samarjit is passionate about acting rather than the fame it brings. He is an intense actor who transforms on camera. As the release nears, I am more nervous than Samarjit. Despite the pressure of introducing my son in this film, I am confident in its quality, considering it my best work yet.In the world of film, the focus is usually on the director and producer. However, being an actor is a favorable position to hold. If you are a skilled actor who can consistently deliver quality performances, you will always find opportunities for work. This is considered the ideal position to be in.
