
Kannada film director Indrajit Lankesh discusses the decision to cast his son Samarjit Lankesh as the lead actor in his upcoming film "Gowri." Indrajit shares that while he had not initially planned to work with Samarjit, he recognized his son's preparedness for the role after considering his extensive training and experience in theatre and acting. After holding auditions and a screen test, Samarjit was selected for the role. Indrajit acknowledges the challenges that come with being a star kid with established actor parents, emphasizing the importance of establishing one's own identity and legacy separate from that of their parents.
Regarding nepotism, Indrajit expresses his belief that being part of a film family can sometimes hinder rather than help an aspiring actor like Samarjit. He highlights the pressure and comparisons that star kids face, underscoring the necessity for them to carve out their own path and establish their own reputation. Drawing from personal experience as the son of renowned figure P Lankesh, Indrajit emphasizes the importance of forging one's own creative journey and not feeling compelled to match the achievements of their parents.As for Samarjit, I am not an actor and thus do not have the same level of fan base to pave the way for him. In my roles as a director and journalist, I have faced controversies and backlash due to my bold statements. Samarjit's task is to distance himself from this and start anew with a clean slate. Despite our creative differences, Samarjit's background in theatre and acting school has brought a realistic approach to character portrayal that I, as a director, may have overlooked. Working with him has been a learning experience, as he is focused on the craft rather than fame or glamour. In the lead-up to the film's release, I find myself more nervous than Samarjit. Introducing my son through this film, which I believe is my best work yet, has added pressure, but I am confident in the story and the talents involved.The focus in the film industry is often on the director and producer, but being an actor offers a reliable position. If you showcase your skills, consistently deliver strong performances, and establish yourself as a talented actor, you can secure continuous work. It is considered an ideal position to be in as an actor.