JOIN USThis picture was taken at Cafe Shree House in Basavanagudi in 2002 when were shooting for the Kannada film ‘Hingadre Henge?’.
Seen in the picture along with me are some of the best comedians of the Kannada film industry. We were dressed according to the characters we were portraying. I am the only one who is dressed in a different way because I was playing a slightly serious role.
Sunder Raj, who essayed the role of the house owner in the film, is a very dear friend of mine. Also seen is Dwarakish, the senior actor.
Sadhu Kokila had just entered the film industry back then while Bank Janardhan worked in a bank and chose to become an actor much later. I remember him as a very jovial person. Ramesh Bhat is known for his great acting skills. Biradar and Umesh were popular comedians and remain so even to this day.
I entered the film industry by accident. I spent a better part of my childhood in Mysore and completed my education there, but never thought of making a career in films. At that time, Puttanna Kanagal was looking for a hero for his film ‘Palithamasha’ and someone suggested my name. He chose me for the role and that’s how I worked on my first film which released in 1976. I am what I am today only because of my mentor and guide Puttanna Kanagal.
I moved to Bengaluru in 1978 because the Kannada film industry had shifted here. I used to stay in Highland Hotel on Race Course Road. I had a Standard Herald and enjoyed driving it. I got lucky in 1980 when I was offered a role in ‘Beligiriya Banadalli’ opposite Vishnuvardhan. The film released in the same year.
Back in our time, we didn’t have the luxury of a caravan. After the day’s work, we would all get together at one of the actor’s house or at a club. Such was the strong bond that we shared even after work. Film shoots and friendship among actors in our time were real and honest.
Jai Jagadish (Actor)
(As told to Nina C George)