Director Indrajit Lankesh is celebrating his birthday today. Two decades into filmmaking, the director says that he has a long way to go and wishes to do more for the Kannada film industry. He lets Metrolife in on what keeps him on his toes.
What has been the most challenging project till date?
‘Shakeela’ is the toughest because it is difficult to direct a biopic. A lot of research has to be done for such subjects and the facts have to be collected and presented in the most realistic manner. The biopic has to be as close to her life as possible.
Shakeela is an adult star. How do you intend to cash in on that?
There are two ways of looking at it. Either you cash in on her being an adult star or be true to the story. I have chosen the latter. If you tell a real story in the right way then it becomes an encashable product.
How different are your films from that of your sister Kavitha Lankesh?
My influences have been very different. I grew up in the Cantonment area and watched countless movies in Rex and then I connected with classics through my father. My influences have been very cosmopolitan. This reflects in my films as well.
You have brought so many Bollywood heroines to Kannada. How do you put up with their tantrums?
Kannada films had amazing stories in the 80s and 90s. My friends wouldn’t really come with me to watch Kannada films because they lacked the quality, glamour and colour of Bollywood films. So subconsciously, whenever I made a film, I ensured that it was of good quality and made on a grand canvas. My heroines were glamorous and colourful too.
What is the one thing that you would like to change about yourself on your birthday?
I want to strive to spend more time with my family. Maybe try and be a better father and husband.