True to his celebrity status as the Rocking Star, he seems to be rocking in real life as well. The heart throb who recently married one of the gorgeous faces in Sandalwood, Radhika Pandit, strongly believes in giving back to society. Yash is busy with his upcoming film KGF, one of Sandalwood’s most expected and costliest films in recent times. The actor has also found a meaningful path in his life which he has proudly named Yasho Marga, through which he helps drought-hit farmers in the state by facilitating drinking water to several villages and doing his best to rejuvenate the drying lakes with the assistance of his fans, experts of irrigation and the local villagers. He talks about his meaningful path, movies, his marriage, and more.
“I always wanted to give back to society but I was initially sceptical about how to take things forward. I believe in actions speaking louder than words. However, after learning that some families in the remote areas of North Karnataka were badly in need of drinking water, I thought of supplying potable water but was afraid whether it would get contaminated before it reached them. Somehow, we did it, and not many knew about the efforts. We sought help of locals, got the water testified by experts before it was delivered to them. Actually, I wanted to stay behind the scenes but when I realised that my name helped in an effective manner, I came into the picture. Ever since then, I am doing my bit in small ways by being part of a movement which is all about the basic needs of farmers — water,” says Yash.
He further adds that his initial venture to supply potable water was a bit expensive, and it is when he personally requested the locals, things started running smoothly, and now he has even got a lake rejuvenated. “I come from an agrarian family, and I know the basics of agriculture and even the economics involved. But, in order to identify the real problem, and find a long-term solution, a thorough study was required. This is when I sought the help of experts and locals, and my fans also helped me reach the needy,” adds Yash.
Through Yasho Marga, the actor is working towards bridging the wide gap between farmers and the administration. “We cannot always expect the government to solve every problem. It is this attitude that has worsened the situation. Even when my fans approach me, I request them to invest their time towards rejuvenating lakes in villages by the desilting process. And, only after an assurance, I attend programmes. A lot of things are happening, and I am happy to be a part of it. Whenever time permits, I travel a lot and speak to farmers, and the common thing they share is water. So, my main focus is on water, both for drinking and irrigation. I emphasise more on monitoring too,” says Yash.
He explains this social activism further, “It is not that I do not want to enjoy my life and earn a lot of money. I do have all the normal urges — such as being rich and famous. I can still stay away from all of this, and enjoy my life but I do it for my happiness.” On his upcoming movie KGF, he shares that it was hard work, and it will be one of his best. “We have been shooting in extreme conditions at Kolar with at least 1,000 junior artistes, of which most ran away due to weather conditions. I had the toughest time with all that dust and heat. I do not want to brag but it is going to be one of the best, technically and artistically.”
About his married life, he says that it is a good phase in his life. “It’s been a learning experience, and cemented the importance of family. We were in a relationship for over six years but I wanted it to be personal, and I kept it under wraps till I made it clear in Mr and Mrs Ramachari,” he smiles. The actor who puts in 100 percent in what he believes in, has been busy reading books and watching documentaries recently.
