Software to Sandalwood: A techie's dream come true

A 27-year-old software engineer is the new sensation in Sandalwood, and is now the favourite lead actor for many successful directors of Kannada film industry such as Guruprasad, Om Prakash Rao and AP Arjun.

Dhananjaya K quit his job at Infosys to pursue his dream of making it big on the silver screen. 

“I used to act in dramas and also watch them along with my father in Kalenahalli in Arsikere of Hassan district where I did my schooling,” says the techie-turned actor.

“Later, I went to Mysore to pursue engineering and even got a rank. But, my heart was set on acting and I would go to Rangayana in Mysore to act in plays. Thus began a dream which would have remained a dream if not for Guruprasad who recognised me,” says Dhananjay, now known by his screen name, Dhanu.

But that was not enough to get him a place in Sandalwood. “My journey began with hard work. I have not only acted in Dramas in Mysore, but I was recognised by Christian Stuckl who was a choreographer of FIFA World Cup in Germany. I visited Germany for a workshop with him and learned a great deal about acting from him too. His support gave me a lot of strength,” he says.

But, after completing his engineering in 2007, Dhananjay took up a a job with Infosys in Mysore to take care of family.

“It was a well paying job, but I was not happy. I would occasionally go over to visit Rangayana to watch plays. My heart yearned to work as an actor there. One day, I met Guruprasad, director of Matta fame who offered me a role in his film Director’s Special. It is set to be released soon,” he says.

Two more films are in the pipeline
“Although Guruprasad wanted to wait till the film release to introduce me, I was recognised by Om Prakash Rao who saw a clipping of the film and offered me a role in his film Huccha. I will be a lead character in the film. Similarly, AP Arjun wants me play the lead role in his film Raate,” Dhananjay says.

His support system, Dhanu says is his friends who believed in him and trusted his talent.

“Rangayana actor Mime Ramesh, my brother who gave me financial and moral support, and a few other friends are instrumental in helping realise my dream. They supported me and continue to support me,” Dhananjay says, who feels that the industry embraces “anyone with talent”.

@DeepthiMR