The new Gaalipata girl in town

She had been enthusiastically following the work of Sandalwood ace filmmaker Yogaraj Bhat. Her hit film Krishna opposite Golden Star Ganesh was released prior to Gaalipata, one of Bhat’s most popular films till date after Mungaru Male.

Actress Sharmiela Mandre has finally found an opportunity to work with the director in the sequel to Gaalipata. The girl about town talks about the film, her production ventures, her next projects as an actress, making a Hindi film in the coming days, and much more.

Her maiden production venture in Tamil Evanukku Engeyo Matcham Irukku, a comedy film directed by Mukesh was recently released as well. Now, Mandre awaits the release of Mysore Masala, a sci-fi thriller.

“I am pretty excited about my latest film Gaalipata 2, the sequel to the hit film Gaalipata directed by Yogaraj Bhat Sir. I had been following his work, and was eager to work with such a versatile director for a long time. In fact, I had a couple of opportunities to work with him but due to prior commitments, I was not able to be a part of his movies. Now, everything has fallen into place. Not just the movie, and my wish to work with Bhat Sir, even the character is good, and quite close to who I am in reality. I have also finished work for a sci-fi thriller titled Mysore Masala directed by Ajay Sarpeshkar. I am eagerly awaiting an exciting 2019,” says Sharmiela Mandre.

The actress who has turned producer with her home banner Sharmiela Mandre Productions, recently saw the release of her maiden venture in Tamil titled Evanukku Engeyo Matcham Irukku starring Vimal in the lead.

“After I was approached for Gaalipata 2, my instant reaction was to be just a part of it, and then learn about my role. As it was a sequel of a successful movie, it will obviously revolve around the three boys, the main protagonists which are being portrayed by Sharan, Rishi and Pavan Kumar. My character which is paired opposite Rishi has depth. It also has Anant Nag Sir, with whom I have acted in my debut movie Sajini, and also in Mysore Masala. I share a great on and off screen bonding with him. It is going to be a lot of firsts for me in this film,” she adds.

As a producer, Sharmiela adds that when the director along with the producer Mahesh Dannannavar arranged for a meeting, Sharmiela recalls how they went on talking about films for hours before she had to abruptly end the conversation as she was to catch a flight.

“We spoke not just about film making, but the crucial aspect of it — managing production and distribution. As I am into production, I am very interested in learning more. Many people with money want to make a movie, but they lack the production knowledge, and it is why they end up making just a movie or two, and then vanish,” she explains.

As she wraps up, she goes on to add that she is producing a Kannada movie to be directed by Aravind Sastry of the Kahi fame.

“Along with acting, I am planning to produce at least two Kannada films this year, and even a Hindi movie in the coming year if everything works out according to the plan,” she signs off.