JOIN USAbhishek Gowda, son of late Kannada actor Ambareesh, spoke to DH's S R Ramakrishna ahead of the release of his debut movie Amar, which is scheduled to his on screens on May 31.
Your debut film 'Amar' is set for release this week. What are the expectations like? Ambareesh's debut Nagarahaavu was a big hit, so the expectations must be high?
I am nervous as well as excited. A lot of my father's fans have high expectations from the movie. Hopefully, we have done enough to make them happy.
With two mentors at home, did they teach you what to look out for?
Not just the acting, but they also taught me a lot about the industry. The dos and don'ts of the industry. The way to conduct oneself. What ticks for you. How to exhibit your talent and engage your directors, producers or the crew. I have learnt a lot from them.
Which of your parents’ films are your favourites? They have acted in a string of hits across languages.
'Anta' came out in 1981. I liked my fathers role in that. It was a breakout role. 'Chakravyuha' is very dear to my heart. ‘Diggarjaru’ with Vishnuvardhan. These are the films I grew up watching. 'Annavaru' with Darshan and 'Drama' with Yash. We saw him in a different character from what he usually does. Even his last film, 'Ambi Ning Vysaytho' was very good. These films of his stand out for me. I don’t watch a lot of my mom's films. It feels awkward to see her on screen. So, I generally avoid her movies.
How did you prepare for 'Amar'?
I did go to a lot of dance and acting classes for a while before I started. But, on the first day of the shooting, I realised there's a lot more to it. You learn a lot on the job. I have learnt a lot during the shoot.
Your parents are actor-politicians. Where do you see yourself--movies and politics?
I have learnt this from my father. Politics is not something you plan and enter. It's not a family business where I can step in one day and take over. It is something that should emerge organically. If people see you as their leader, then they will bring you to politics on their own. So, right now, I am in the film industry. If the opportunity emerges in the future, If the people of Mandya and Karnataka call me, then I will answer that call. Coming to me studying politics, I took it up as it was my area of interest. Growing up, I saw my dad oriented towards politics, so I studied it. It wasn't something I wanted to use somewhere. Also, studying politics and practising it are two different things. It’s good to have the knowledge but there's a lot more to learn on ground than in schools.
What would you take away from your studies. What part of it do you think is relevant in Mandya, or Karnataka or India for that matter.
The course actually created a lot of awareness within me. The intricacies of the democratic process, international diplomacy and how countries handle their relations. More than anything, it taught me to respect the values of democracy.
Farmers in Mandya are committing suicides and a lot of dreadful things are happening out there. Why do you think Mandya is in such dire straits?
There's a lot of factors to be considered here. One of it is the administrations that have come and gone. Some of them have done a good job while some have not. We are a state that has never had the cooperation of the central government. This has been the case for almost 30 years. Drought is another reason. We have to engage our farmers in a lot of other techniques, familiarise them with the advanced technologies. We have never had a party that has been focused on that district as much as they should have. I hope the central government cooperates and eases the work henceforth.
What do you see your mother Sumalatha doing in the next five years, now that she is an MP?
I don't want to speak for my mother, but I will say this. We will need the support of the government of India. It's a long process but we will work for the betterment of Mandya.
How was it to campaign against those who you once considered dear friends?
Well, I think they made a lot of personal comments about my mom, her birth, her caste, her creed, and this was absolutely not necessary.
Are you still friedns with Nikhil?
Yes, I am. I will say hello to him if I meet him.
You are a fan of Harry Potter books, and Jeffrey archer. Who else do you read? Do you also read Kannada books?
Federick Forsyth’s The Dogs of War is a favourite. i have not read a lot of Kannada books. Maybe I should start reading them now.
What sports do you play?
I am the least athletic person you can ever meet. I am not a sports-oriented person. I am a watcher, but don't follow any sport. But here and there I play a good game of cricket with the boys.
The kind of music you listen to?
I had a big rock phase back in college. I do listen to a lot of metal. These days I listen to Kannada songs as I am in the industry.
What was your college life like?
Most of my schooling was at BGS International School. I was later admitted to Christ University as I was tagged as a naughty boy. They were very strict and, yes, they disciplined me.
Growing up, did you have strict parents?
Well, they weren't strict as such. But I had a reputation and any wrong action of mine would have an effect on their names. So that way I had to be careful.
What's coming up after Amar?
There are a lot of upcoming projects. WIll announce it when the time is right.