Learning from working with Samarjit has been valuable for me, says Indrajit Lankesh.
Kannada film director Indrajit Lankesh, who is set to introduce his son Samarjit Lankesh as a lead actor in his film Gowri, speaks of what went into the decision to cast his son, the challenges it thr...
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Kannada filmmaker Indrajit Lankesh, known for his work in introducing new talent to the industry, decided to cast his son Samarjit Lankesh as the lead actor in his film "Gowri." Initially, Indrajit had not planned on working with his son, wanting him to carve his own path. Samarjit had trained in theater, studied acting in New York, and gained experience as an assistant director on Kannada films. After completing a screen test and audition process, Indrajit felt Samarjit was ready for the role. Indrajit reflects on the challenges that come with being a star kid, mentioning that while having a built-in fan base can be an advantage, it also means being constantly compared to their famous parents. He believes that breaking free from that comparison and establishing one's own identity is a daunting task. Indrajit shares his perspective on nepotism, emphasizing that being from a film family has been more of a hindrance for Samarjit, who has had to navigate the pressure of living up to his accomplished parents. As someone who experienced comparisons to his own father, Indrajit acknowledges the difficulty of establishing oneself outside of a famous parent's shadow, emphasizing the importance of forging one's own path.As for my son Samarjit, I do not have an actor's fan base for him to rely on. As a director and journalist, I have been involved in controversies and faced repercussions for my strong statements. Samarjit faces the challenge of establishing his own identity separate from mine and starting fresh. Despite our creative differences, working with Samarjit has been a learning experience for me. He approaches cinema and character development with a realistic perspective, focusing on nuances that I may have overlooked. Samarjit's intense yet quiet demeanor before the camera captures his dedication to acting rather than fame or glamour. I am more nervous than Samarjit just days before the film's release. While introducing new talents, including Deepika Padukone, has been a highlight of my career, presenting my son in this film is particularly significant. I believe this project is my best work to date, and I have poured my heart into it.In the world of film, the focus is often on the director and the producer, but being an actor provides a favorable position. If you possess the necessary skills, consistently deliver quality performances, and establish yourself as a proficient actor, you will continually find work. This is indeed an ideal situation to be in.