Were you the first choice of your  father for this film?

 (After much chewing of nails). Ummm... yes. You know, my father didn’t tell me that I was the hero of his new film till the eve of the launch. When we asked him about the hero, he kept saying that it’s a new boy from Mumbai. I was very surprised but had little time to think about it. The next day, we were off to Kashmir. There was no preparation for this role at all. After reaching there, he sat me down and told me the story, picture concept and stuff before starting the shooting.

But you have already acted in Veeru... Yeah, but I was a child artiste then with no clue of film-making. Here, I am aware of audience expectation and such, have put in extra effort to learn everything I can. I can now say I am confident; the film has come out really well.

How was it shooting in Kashmir?

 It was fabulous. We were there for 10 days. And faced no problem at all. Only after we came back did the
problems start there.

And did you have anything to do with it?

 (Startled).. No, no... The problems are not because of me! (At this point, the father chuckles and interjects, “Ours is the first Kannada film in 25 years to have shot in the famous Tulip Gardens there). We shot at places like Gulmarg. We spotted army patrols and stuff but the locals were very friendly. They made me feel at home and said that those who debuted there had gone on to become very famous later on!

How was it acting with Amulya?

She is wonderful. It is her second film after Cheluvina Chittara, you know. The moment she came on the set, she would be totally immersed in her character. I never saw her throw any attitude at anybody. It actually helped me ease into my role. Her tips helped too!

You play cricket in the movie...Yes, I do. I have played cricket in my school days. I love Sunil Gavaskar and the Australian team as a whole! I was an all-rounder, you know!

So is it eating, sleeping cricket for you?

No no... I watch films and love to dance.

What kind of films?

Oh... they should be message-oriented. I like Punit’s films and I like Ramya. I particularly like Aamir Khan and Rani Mukherjee.

Pankaaj  is clearly looking forward to celebrate his birthday on July 18 with his twin brother and mother; a quiet family celebration. Here’s wishing all the luck for his future.

B S Srivani