<p>When I watched the preview of my latest release ‘99’, the remake of Tamil film ‘96’, I was instantly transported to my school and college days. I didn’t get such feelings when I was working on the movie but when I watched it from among the audience, a flood of memories came gushing. </p>.<p>I always wanted to be an actor. And somewhere, I worked towards it from my school days. I spent a better part of my growing up years in Nelamangala. I did my primary school in Basaveshwara English School in Dasarahalli and thereafter went to Standard English School and studied there till class ten. I topped the cultural activities in school and continued to lead the cultural team in college. I still remember that I was thrilled when anyone complimented that I sang or danced well. I loved all the attention. It made me feel like a star and this further strengthened my determination to become an actor. </p>.<p>I was told by many people who watched me perform in plays (both Kannada and English) that I am a natural performer. And that comes from my habit of rehearsing in front of the mirror. When I was in school and college, whenever I had a play, I would practise in front of the mirror. I would laugh, cry, express anger and even romance… all this helped me perfect the emotions.</p>.<p>My character of Ram in ‘99’ is one where I have not acted but have tried to be myself. You will see how naturally and organically the character unfolds. I was expected to underplay my emotions and focus on my performance. And I thoroughly enjoyed that experience which is quite different from the usual commercial films.</p>.<p>The title ‘99’ has an interesting story to it. Preetham Gubbi (director of ‘99’) and I go back a long way. He and I joined the Adarsha Film Institute on Coles Road in Bengaluru in 1999. He joined there wanting to be a technician and I came there determined to be a star. I would wake up early morning and exercise. And do everything that was necessary to become a star. I acted in as many plays as possible just to get noticed by a director, hoping that they would give me a chance. Now, 20 years later, the two of us have achieved exactly what we set out<br />to do. </p>.<p>Back in college, Preetham and I shared an apartment and hung out together. We shared our joys and sorrows. This strong friendship and comfort level has added that extra zing to my performance in ‘99’. </p>.<p>Preetham knows exactly what I like and what I don’t. I also know how he would react to a particular situation and what he has in mind. This familiarity has helped us work together and deliver some good films in the past.</p>.<p>Looking back, I can say that I got into acting because I am passionate about the craft. I know that money matters in the entertainment industry but for me, passion comes first. Even today, I have the excitement of a child when I get to experiment with different characters and play a different person in every film. </p>.<p>I am living my dream. It took me 10 years to realise it. I feel youngsters must have a dream and give time and talent to nurture and develop that dream.</p>.<p><strong>Ganesh</strong></p>.<p><strong>(Actor and producer)</strong></p>
<p>When I watched the preview of my latest release ‘99’, the remake of Tamil film ‘96’, I was instantly transported to my school and college days. I didn’t get such feelings when I was working on the movie but when I watched it from among the audience, a flood of memories came gushing. </p>.<p>I always wanted to be an actor. And somewhere, I worked towards it from my school days. I spent a better part of my growing up years in Nelamangala. I did my primary school in Basaveshwara English School in Dasarahalli and thereafter went to Standard English School and studied there till class ten. I topped the cultural activities in school and continued to lead the cultural team in college. I still remember that I was thrilled when anyone complimented that I sang or danced well. I loved all the attention. It made me feel like a star and this further strengthened my determination to become an actor. </p>.<p>I was told by many people who watched me perform in plays (both Kannada and English) that I am a natural performer. And that comes from my habit of rehearsing in front of the mirror. When I was in school and college, whenever I had a play, I would practise in front of the mirror. I would laugh, cry, express anger and even romance… all this helped me perfect the emotions.</p>.<p>My character of Ram in ‘99’ is one where I have not acted but have tried to be myself. You will see how naturally and organically the character unfolds. I was expected to underplay my emotions and focus on my performance. And I thoroughly enjoyed that experience which is quite different from the usual commercial films.</p>.<p>The title ‘99’ has an interesting story to it. Preetham Gubbi (director of ‘99’) and I go back a long way. He and I joined the Adarsha Film Institute on Coles Road in Bengaluru in 1999. He joined there wanting to be a technician and I came there determined to be a star. I would wake up early morning and exercise. And do everything that was necessary to become a star. I acted in as many plays as possible just to get noticed by a director, hoping that they would give me a chance. Now, 20 years later, the two of us have achieved exactly what we set out<br />to do. </p>.<p>Back in college, Preetham and I shared an apartment and hung out together. We shared our joys and sorrows. This strong friendship and comfort level has added that extra zing to my performance in ‘99’. </p>.<p>Preetham knows exactly what I like and what I don’t. I also know how he would react to a particular situation and what he has in mind. This familiarity has helped us work together and deliver some good films in the past.</p>.<p>Looking back, I can say that I got into acting because I am passionate about the craft. I know that money matters in the entertainment industry but for me, passion comes first. Even today, I have the excitement of a child when I get to experiment with different characters and play a different person in every film. </p>.<p>I am living my dream. It took me 10 years to realise it. I feel youngsters must have a dream and give time and talent to nurture and develop that dream.</p>.<p><strong>Ganesh</strong></p>.<p><strong>(Actor and producer)</strong></p>
