From the city of palaces Mysuru, comes another talent who has made a mark for himself in both, television and movies. Actor Kiran Raj, who set out to become a movie director after studying filmmaking in Mumbai, took a different path after participating in a reality show. Eventually, it led to opportunities in television, portraying lead characters in Hindi and as well as in Kannada tele serials. He has so far acted in a handful of TV soaps Dil Ki Aashiyan and Tu Aashiqui in Hindi. The Kannada soaps include Chandramukhi, Devathe, and presently Kinnari on Colors Kannada. That apart, he has been a contestant in couple of reality shows too. The actor, who was recently in the news for his alleged involvement in a criminal act, speaks to Bengaluru Chronicle about his upcoming Kannada movie Asathoma Sadgamaya starring alongside Radhika Chetan and Lasya, his journey into the entertainment world and his aspiration to direct a movie.
“In fact, I took up engineering, but just for an year, I discontinued it as I felt that it was not my cup of tea. I later shifted to BCA, and then filmmaking in Mumbai. I wanted to become a director but destiny had other plans for me, turning me into an actor. I had no prior experience nor expertise as an artiste. First, it was the reality show which led me to my tele-ventures. Subsequently, I got into films. It has been an exciting journey so far working in different languages and juggling between Mumbai and Bengaluru on alternative days for the shoot,” says Kiran Raj.
His debut movie, March 22, which won a national award is directed by renowned filmmaker Kodlu Ramakrishna, and his second was Watchman directed by popular lyricist K. Kalyan and his latest is scheduled to hit the screens on June 6 Asatoma Sadgamaya.
“It was like a school while working on my debut movie. I was sharing space with senior artistes and I had watched them on screen as a child. Watching legendary actors such as Anantnag sir, Geetha mam amongst other artistes was a treat. Moreover, Kodlu sir would look after me with utmost care and in turn I would get to learn the crucial basic skills. It was a great platform for a debutant,” he explains.
Kiran, who frequently travels from Mumbai to Bengaluru for work, says, “Sometimes I do feel the pressure but my passion and commitment pushes me. I travel on alternate days to Bengaluru to shoot my Kannada serial and sometimes I have shot overnight for my Hindi serial and returned the next morning ,for the Kannada soap. In between, I manage my dates for movies.”
With such a packed schedule, we ask him if he has the time to pursue other interests. Kiran reveals that he is part of a foundation called ‘Kiran Foundation’ which works for underprivileged rural school going children and the senior community. “Whenever, I get some time, I along with some of my friends and like minded people get together and do our bit in helping students who cannot afford basic education in rural areas. We also help senior citizens,” he adds.
While everything was going smooth, he faced a jolt when a model turned actress accused him of assaulting her. He says, “I do not want to comment on it as the matter is before the court, and all I want to say is that I believe that if someone has done nothing then there is no need to worry. In fact, none of it has disturbed me. I am working with the same passion and determination.”
Asathoma Sadgamaya, is based on a socially relevent topic. “I play an ambitious person who wants to leave the country in search of better prospects abroad.” Before summing up on his entertaining journey, he shares that it is because of his parents’ support, he could achieve so much. “While Asathoma Sadgamaya releases aday before my birthday, I also have a big banner movie in Hindi being announced too. I will soon reveal it,” he signs off.
