
Samarjit Lankesh, the son of director Indrajit Lankesh and grandson of writer-filmmaker P Lankesh, is all set to make his debut in Kannada cinema with the movie "Gowri". The film, which also introduces Saanya Iyer to Kannada cinema, is scheduled for release on August 15th. In an interview with Bangalore Times, Samarjit shares his lifelong passion for cinema, the challenges he encountered as a newcomer, and his experience working alongside his father.
Expressing his fascination with the film industry, Samarjit recalls being captivated by the enchantment of the silver screen, particularly inspired by the movies of Appu sir (Puneeth Rajkumar) and Sudeep sir during his formative years, which led him to pursue acting. Delving into various aspects of filmmaking, he honed his skills at the New York Film Academy, gaining knowledge in cinematography, acting, and directing. His collaboration with friends on short films instilled the confidence needed to embark on his journey in the Kannada film industry. A background in theater and experience assisting director Yogaraj Bhat, learning stunts from Chethan Dsouza, and dance from Murali master further enhanced his performance in "Gowri."
Transitioning from a child artist to a lead actor brought a heightened sense of responsibility for Samarjit, leading to increased dedication and a commitment to his craft. He views his role in "Gowri" as an opportunity to showcase his versatility as an actor and embraces the challenges presented by the multifaceted character he portrays. The role required mastering the Mandya Kannada dialect, a skill he acquired by studying the performances of Ambareesh and Darshan. The movie includes dance sequences and stunts, elements that Samarjit prepared for diligently to deliver a compelling performance."I wanted Gowri to serve as the perfect platform for showcasing my acting skills," Samrajit explains. Reflecting on the challenges he encountered as a newcomer, he states, "Despite having previous experience as a child actor, stepping into a lead role brought a greater sense of responsibility. This heightened accountability fueled my commitment and enabled me to approach the role with the utmost dedication." Describing his collaboration with his father, director Indrajit Lankesh, on the set of Gowri, Samrajit shares, "While my dad and I share a close friendship in real life, our dynamic changed on set where he assumed the role of director and I became solely an actor. We approached our work professionally, understanding the importance of delivering what the film required through passion and dedication."