No, she is not related to the Bollywood superstar Deepika Padukone. The only factor that Sanchita Padukone has in common with the star (besides their surname) is that the village they hail from — Padukone— in Udupi district! The actress, who made her acting debut with the Kannada film Ravana faces a lot of questions about the Padukone connection, and is forced to clarify that she is not related to Deepika.
Sanchita makes a comeback with Satya Harishchandra opposite comedy-actor-turned hero Sharan. Speaking to Bengaluru Chronicle, she shares her filmy journey from Kannada to Tamil and Telugu films, Padukone and more.
“After my first Kannada film Ravana, which released six years ago, I kept waiting for good projects with sensible scripts. While the wait was long, fortunately for me, I got a couple of good offers in Tamil films, and later in Telugu which recognised my work while establishing me as an actress.
“I was very eager to return toKannada films and this is when I learnt that Dayal Padmanabh sir, had taken up a new project. I contacted him wanting to know if I would suit the female lead role. Luckily, the character of an NRI girl with a good romantic comedy subject helped me get Satya Harishchandra. I am hopeful about the success of the film, as it filled with wholesome entertainment,” says Sanchita.
About the frequent questions over her Padukone connection, she says that many are unaware that Padukone is a village and not any surname. “The first thing anyone asks me after knowing my name would be whether I am related to the Bollywood actress. Now, I am used to it,” she smiles.
As far as the film Satya Harishchandra is concerned, there is no connection with the classic film Satya Harishchandra released in 1965 starring Kannada thespian late Dr. Rajkumar along with actress late Pandaribayi and others. While the classic is based on the mythological character Raja Harishchandra, who upholds truth and justice at any cost, the new film with the similar title is a Rom-Com with Sharan playing the lead. The film is partly shot in Europe.
The actress, who has no filmi background, took up acting while she was studying II PUC in college. “No one from my family is connected with the film industry. My uncle suggested that I become an actress. I had no interest in films. Iwas thinking about completing studies and to into business. When Ravana happened to me, I had seen the original Kadhal Konde in Tamil. I had to be part of the film as the character was such good that I accepted it immediately. However, when no good Kannada films came to me, I got a good offer in Tamil films followed by Telugu films. It feels good to be back doing a film in my mother tongue,” she adds.
Though she did not dub her own voice for Tamil and Telugu languages, Sanchita says that she learnt the languages on the set mostly while interacting with the technicians and co-artistes. “Whenever I would return home, I was always asked about doing a film in Kannada. Thanks to Dayal and Sharan sir, I am back with a great opportunity. Dayal sir is known for his experimental ventures and working with him was a great learning experience. He is particular too, and most of the time, he would enact the entire scene and I tried my best to meet the standard. And, Sharan sir, who is such a humble and down to earth personality, helped me work at ease,” Sanchita says.
