(Southscope May 2012 Issue)

Shivanna recently turned 50 and celebrated the release of his 100th film in grand style. Ask him about his longevity in the film industry, and he immediately points out to his fans. No doubt, he has had the advantage of being the son of Kannada matinee idol Dr Rajkumar. But Shivanna emerged out of his father’s shadow long ago to establish his name as one of the natural performers in the Kannada film industry and the most sought after actor since the 90s.

(Southscope May 2012 Issue)

Ragini Dwivedi was upset when we caught up for this interview; she felt she was being constantly dragged into controversies by tabloids, spreading rumours that were damaging her reputation as an established actor. One particular tabloid even ran a campaign against her. Eventually, the actor felt ‘enough is enough’ and threatened to sue the tabloid, which was caught on the wrong foot by not just her, but several other actors affected by the so-called splashes.

(Southscope March 2012 Issue)

2006-2007 saw the emergence of a new face that created a sensation in the Kannada film industry. But in the subsequent years, success for him became elusive. For any other actor, the return to stardom would have been difficult. But Ganesh has bounced back in style with the hit, Shyloo, to finally silence his detractors.

(Southscope March 2012 Issue)

(Southscope March 2012 Isuue)

More than an actor and creative director, Uppi gives you the impression of a politician... sometimes even a dictator! Other times, he becomes a philosopher and friend. But why such frequent changes of character? He has an instant answer, “I have been in this industry for close to two decades. Do you think I would have survived without out-ofthe- box ideas? People demand change and I give them change!”

(Southscope March 2012 Issue)

Her foray into films, the number of critically acclaimed roles that she has performed, and the demand that she has maintained, is unparalleled. If there is any other actor who could be ranked alongside Rekha in terms of the longevity, success and demand ratio, it is Ramya (Divya Spandana).

Upendra is all set to wield the megaphone once again. This time, it will be for none other than his wife Priyanka, who is producing the as-yet-untitled film under her own banner! Needless to say, he will play the lead role in the movie.

Hariprriya is busy shooting for her debut Malayalam movie - Thiruvambady Thamban - in Kanyakumari and Munnar. “It has been four years since I came to showbiz. I have been trying to find a good role in Malayalam movies. My attempts are finally yielding results. I am excited to be part of this project,” Hariprriya declares.

The two blockbusters with two big directors in her second year in the Kannada film industry propelled Aindrita Ray straight into the top league of actors. As the rather tiresome cliché goes, she has never looked back since. Having acted in nearly 20 Kannada films with superstars, Aindrita makes it clear that she is not in the race for the No. 1 position in Sandalwood. “Who cares about the No. 1 position? Today, I will be there; tomorrow someone else might claim it. How does it matter anyway? I don’t believe in the race to be No. 1.

Divya Spandana debuted in Puneet Rajkumar’s second film Abhi in 2003. Since then, she has acted in more than 25 Kannada movies and several Tamil and Telugu projects. She is one of the longest surviving actors in Kannada films. But not a year goes by without her being dragged into a controversy.