Kannada actor Jaggesh’s love for his little Gururaj

Written By Shruti I L | Updated:

25 years after entering the Kannada film industry, actor Jaggesh is turning director in a bid to relaunch his actor- son Gururaj…

Hosting his debut television show Kaiyalli Koti, Helbittu Hoderi has turned him into a new and a better person claims actor Jaggesh.

“A successful film career had me thinking that there was very little to be achieved now, but after meeting so many enthusiastic people and achievers on this show, I have started to feel that there is so much more to explore and try out. I now almost feel like a beginner,” he confesses.

And it is this new found zest for life that has motivated the actor to step out of his comfort zone and give directing films a try. “Under my newly-launched banner, Gururaj Films, I will be directing a film for my son Gururaj. His first film Gilli did well at the box office, but his second outing, Sankranti, failed to create an impact as its release was not well- timed. The response it received had left him disappointed and this is also why I decided to get down to direction,” adds Jaggesh.

The film is titled Guru and is an action-thriller. It will have shades of the hit Hollywood film, Bourne Identity. “Over the past five and a half months, Gururaj has been undergoing training in kick-boxing and other martial arts in Cambodia for this role. But there is more to the film than action. The story revolves around a college student who overcomes several hurdles to fulfil his dreams,” says Jaggesh. The film will see his younger son, Yathiraj also play a pivotal role.

While Jaggesh will not be essaying any role in this film, he has comic capers Manjuntha BA LLB and Cool Ganesh, where he plays a Mr Bean like character. There’s also Naane Anna, a film based on activist Anna Hazare’s anti-corruption movement to look
forward to.

We can’t end the conversation before asking him about his previous and ambitious project, Bodyguard, receiving lukewarm response and he signs off by saying, “The film made a profit of `40 lakhs, so I have nothing to complain about!”