A divine intervention

After earning a degree in computer science, Amith Kashyap worked as a software engineer. However, after sometime, his childhood passion towards art drew him to take up acting classes on weekends from Usha Bhandary, a popular theatre, film and television artiste. 

Soon, his life took a wild turn when he had to choose between his well-settled life as an engineer and to play the mythological character Sri Vishnu for the mega venture Sri Vishnu Dashaavataara, being simultaneously made in both Kannada and Tamil. Amith chose to play the divine role which is set to go on air starting from October 15 on weeknights on Zee Kannada at 8 pm. 

In an exclusive interview with Bengaluru Chronicle, Amit shares his ongoing journey about portraying the mythological character in this seria, which is shot mostly in Mumbai.

“Like many, my dream started early during my childhood. In school, I was mostly into sports and arts. I was an average student. Engaging myself in extra-curricular activities such as drama was my forte. Later, my goal shifted to becoming a cricketer. But I had to give up this dream since I had to concentrate on my 12 standard exams, and then the CET. Later, the focus was all about getting an engineering degree and then a job,” says Amith Kashyap.

He further goes on to reveal that though he managed to play cricket during his graduation, he got occupied with his work. “After five days at work, I thought of reviving my other passion, which was acting. Hence, I joined Usha Bhandary madam’s acting classes. This is when I had auditioned for Sri Vishnu Dashaavataara, and got selected. It was a tough decision to quit my job and take up the serial. I chose to play the divine role,” Amith says, who hails from Hariharapura near Holenarasipura in Hassan.

However, with no practical experience, the actor shares that he was skeptical about pulling it off. “I did faced difficulties in the initial days. But as the team was aware that I was  facing the camera for the first time, they would instruct me on what they were expecting from me, and I would follow them until I got a grip of the divine character. Though language (Kannada) was never an issue, it was the costume and marathon working hours thattook a toll on me in the initial days.”
A completely original script, the mega venture which is also simultaneously shot in Tamil too, mostly involving Kannada artistes is being made by veteran Dheeraj Kumar under his television production house.

On playing God, he shares that on any given day, he would be wearing at least a minimum of 10 kilos of accessories and costumes. “I easily lost weight but later on I got used to it and started preparing myself by hitting the gym and taking good care of my body both mentally, emotionally and physically. I started meditating and chanted Sri Vishnu and other mantras which helped me calm myself and to do justice to the role, as Sri Vishnu is known for maintaining his calm nature at all times,” he adds.

Before wrapping up, Amit says he cannot wait to see the reaction from his parents and loved ones when they watch him as Vishnu on television. “They knew about it but were unaware of what exactly I was working on. They all stood by me and always supported my decision. I cannot be more happier, and more over it has been spiritual journey which has a indeed changed my life forever,” he signs off.