Through the organisation of his daughter Brahmani’s wedding last week, Gali Janardhana Reddy may have killed two birds with one stone.
Organising his daughter’s extravagant wedding was in many ways touted to be his comeback into Karnataka’s power corridors, with many politicians attending the big do. But, he may also have got his son Kireeti the perfect launch pad – a party where he was the star in the limelight surrounded by some of the biggest names of the Kannada film industry.
Speculation of Kireeti entering the world of movies began after his dance performance at his sister Brahmani’s wedding last week.
In an interview with Kannada Prabha on Monday, Kireeti, confirmed that he would indeed be signing up for a career in the movie industry; his launch planned for January. Kireeti said his debut film would be directed by an assistant director of the blockbuster Baahubali.
Kireeti revealed that he had been preparing to become an actor for the past seven to eight years. He told Kannada Prabha that he was a trained dancer, an equestrian and has learnt karate and kalaripattu.
The mining baron and former minister’s son is the latest of Karnataka politicians’ sons to join Sandalwood.
Surprisingly, 2016 saw the sons of four more Karnataka politicians make their debut in Sandalwood, following a build-up that began last year.
Last year, Congress MLA HM Revanna launched his son Anup in the film Lakshmana. The movie, which hit the screens in July 2016 had a collection of Rs 11 crore during the first week.
The songs Rave Rave Subbu Lakshmi and Ninne Monne Ondaada Hridaya gained popularity after the audio release in Mandya.
The actor is now starring in his second flick, Patna, for which the shooting began in June, Cineloka reported.
As Anup took Sandalwood by a storm, former JD(S) minister, Cheluvarayaswamy’s son, Sachin, was launched in the film Happy Birthday.
The movie, which was released in August, was an instant hit with audiences, thanks to its romance and drama. The songs and fight sequences were also an added bonus for the Kannada audience, according to media reports.
This was followed by Janata Dal(S) leader H D Kumaraswamy’s son Nikhil Gowda being launched in the Kannada-Telugu film, Jaguar, with a budget of Rs 75 crore.
The movie, which was released in October, had mixed reviews on Nikhil’s performance. It received a fantastic response in both Karnataka and Andhra Pradesh, with a collection of Rs 3 crore on day one. The film was released in over 200 screens in Karnataka alone and received a good response in terms of advance bookings as well.
JD(S) MLA BZ Zameer Ahmed Khan took it a step further with his son Zaid Khan, with media reports suggesting that Zaid would be launched in a Bollywood flick.
However, recent reports suggest that the attempt failed and Zaid is now being groomed by experts from London for his Sandalwood debut to be directed by Indrajit Lankesh, a producer and director of Kannada and Telugu films.
The trend possibly began way back in 1978 when former chief minister S Bangarappa’s son, Kumar Bangarappa made his Sandalwood debut with Amara Prema.
“Sharavegada Saradara”, the first 70 mm Kannada film released in 1988, had Kumar Bangarappa act in it. He has acted in over 15 movies such as “Rakta Kanneeru”, “Ashwamedha” and “Ksheera Sagara”. He later became a minister in SM Krishna’s cabinet.
Continuing the trend, Kumar’s brother, Madhu Bangarappa, who is a JD (S) MLA from Sorab constituency, has acted in “Devi” opposite Sneha Ullal.
Next to join the fray was son of former minister BT Lalitha Naik, Om Prakash Naik, who has acted, directed and composed music for the movie “Ondu Koleya Sutta”.
Chief Minister Siddaramiah’s deceased son Rakesh’s film career made a beginning, but never took off. Rakesh acted in a few Kannada movies that never hit the theatres. His debut, “Nanage Neenu Ninage Naanu”, which was launched almost a decade ago, was never completed.
Actor and turned politician Jaggesh’s son Gururaj Jaggesh made his Sandalwood debut with the movie “Gilli” in 2009. This was followed by “Guru” and “Sankranti” in 2012 and “Paipoti” in 2015.
2014 saw the entry of a member of the Sandalwood first family – the Rajkumar family – enter politics. Geetha Shivrajkumar, Hattrick Hero Shivarajkumar’s wifecontested the general election from Shivamogga on a JD(S) ticket. Geetha happens to be and sister of Madhu and Kumar Bangarappa. She lost the election to BS Yeddyurappa, who is currently Shivamogga MP.