Rakshit Shetty is a prominent name in the Kannada film industry. An actor, screenwriter and filmmaker, Shetty has consistently delivered quality content that has resonated with both critics and audiences. His recent venture both as an actor and producer, Sapta Sagaradaache Ello - Side A, released last month, has garnered appreciation for its storytelling and performances. Shetty talks to Moneycontrol about the film, his journey, friendship with Rishab Shetty, and wanting to make films that everybody can be proud of. Edited excerpts from an interview:
From a software professional to an actor...has there ever been a day when you regretted the decision?
Not at all. Life was happy when I was working in the software industry but it has been great after becoming an actor. I am enjoying this phase of life, happy with whatever I am doing. There's no single day when I regretted for my choices. I enjoy what I do.
What or who inspired you to pursue acting?
I have always been a fan of cinema, since childhood. In fact when in school, I used to enact many popular film scenes. I used to make my friends also take part in those sessions. I used to play the hero and make them play the others in the background of the scene. We used to do a lot of such things in the school and that's when my love for acting and cinema grew.
Back in 2010, when you debuted with Nam Areal Ond Dina to now, what moments stand out for you?
Oh, I've come a long way. So long that I never thought I would make it. There have been ups and downs, highs and lows, moments of sadness, moments of happiness, and a lot more. Now when I go down the memory lane, it's been a great journey. A happy journey. I have had my share of good days and bad days but I've learnt a lot from all those films. Worked with some great filmmakers and been part of some really amazing films as well.
Which movie is a game changer in your career?
There are many movies which I called game changers. Ulidavaru Kandanthe (2014) is the one that gave me a break in the industry. Godhi Banna Sadharana Mykattu (2016) and Kirik Party (2016) have helped me prove my mettle as an actor. Avane Srimannarayana (2019) is a big hit and that was loved by audiences all across. I don't mean to say that other films are not important, but for the films I mentioned above, I received a lot of praises.
777 Charlie (2022) bagged a National Award, Best Kannada Film. As its lead actor and producer, what made you believe in, and back, the content?
I have been on cloud nine since. I feel elated to have been part of such a wonderful film. It's not just my effort that took this film to such a level. It's team effort. We all believed that the story has the capability to reach till every person in the country. It's an emotional story that has a lot to talk and say. It touched everyone's heart just like we thought it would do. It was released in multiple languages and it did amazingly well. We never really thought that it would be bagging the Best Film of the year.
What do you have to say as an actor and producer, whether investments should be made based on the stories or on the face value of the lead actor?
I believe in the story and the content which is what is going to bring the audience to the theatres. At the same time, sometimes, for some stories, it is important to add value to the story with a face that can deliver it. But yes...I believe that one should invest in the story only.
Kannada cinema has been doing extremely well in the recent past. Kantara (2022) went global. How are the actors like you looking at this change?
It feels great. It is a responsibility on actors like us. Especially the young lot as it is important to live up to the expectations of the audiences and the ones that are being set with the films doing well. We will definitely do better. In fact, this change is great as it has erased all the boundaries and barriers, making it Indian cinema and not regional cinema any more. Actors across industries get the chance to work together, explore content, talent and make some amazing films for the country.
Why haven't you worked in other languages yet?
There is no particular reason why. I never thought of it at all. I am happy with where I am. I belong to Kannada cinema. I want to entertain the audiences here first. I want to make films here first, for the audiences who have showered love on me and for all the belief they had in me. But in the future, if things work, I will definitely work for other languages as well.
What do you usually like to do in your free time if you get it?
I hardly get any free time. But when I do, I watch films, I travel. I work on content. I read books, too, and catch up with friends.
Can you tell us a little about your and actor-director-producer Rishab Shetty's friendship?
I and Rishab go a long way. We have been friends for a long time now and we both have had our share of good days and bad days. When he was making Kantara, I knew the level where it would reach. I believed in him and had this strong belief in the film. He showed me the same faith during 777 Charlie as well. We have always had each other’s back.
As a filmmaker, what's the impact you would like to bring in cinema?
I would like to make more films. Films that the audience can connect with and relate to. Films that everybody can be proud of. We are here to stay. A lot of stories are yet to be told and I have to tell them to the audiences.
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