The son of yet another politician is all set to make his debut with Happy Birthday directed by Mahesh Sukhadare. The debutant, Sachin says that it is purely co-incidental that his movie is also releasing at the same time as the films of other political leaders’ sons.
Sachin, son of former minister N Cheluvaraya Swamy, speaks exclusively with Bengaluru Chronicle on how the actual “happy” journey started for him.
“I always aspired to become an actor and have known Ambareesh Uncle since childhood which has always inspired me. But I did not know how to convince my father. It was during my sister’s wedding when I visited director Mahesh Sukhadare Sir’s place, to invite him for the wedding. It was just a casual meeting. Later, he met my father and discussed making a movie. My father then asked me if I was serious about acting, only then would he produce the film! We started the film exactly a year ago in August. So far, I am happy with the response after the audio and teaser release,” says Sachin.
With a degree in B.Com from St Joseph’s College, Sachin feels that this was not a one-shot, and that more than acting, he had to train rigorously for the stunts.
“Ever since Mahesh Sir decided to make the film, he has trained me in every aspect well, all vital for a lead actor. He groomed me for over one-and-a-half years on every detail of the script, even getting into my head. Without his support and confidence in me, I could not have made my debut. Stick fighting, which is a local fighting technique, mainly originated from our state, and it plays a major role in the film. I learnt stick fighting over six months,” says the debutant.
The title Happy Birthday refers to a local slang in Mandya, wherein bad guys are warned with dire consequences for the bad deeds! The actor says that at least four stunt choreographers have worked in movie.
“There are different chase sequences in the film. Sometimes, I am riding a sports cycle, for which experts from France were brought in for the shoot. Another chase involves an autorickshaw, real rowdies were convinced to act for the fight, and the climax stick fight has been shot in the special set made to look like the Mysuru Dasara Festival,” he says.
After day one of acting with heroine Samskruthi, he felt blessed to act with the multiple national award-winning actor Daattana, and the friendly Chikkanna and Achyuth Sir.
“When we decided to make the film, we first approached Ambareesh Uncle, whom I consider my godfather in the industry. He supported me like his own son, and moreover, sharing the screen with him was a great feeling. I was left wondering how he acted with such ease, delivering lengthy dialogues when I was struggling. He is a ‘university’ by himself and a great source of inspiration for actors,” says Sachin, Now, he hopes that his “reel” happy birthday is happier than most real ones! We certainly hope so.
