With Sandalwood experiencing a transition of sorts right from fresh scripts, new technology, high budgets, hi-end cinematography, and an experimental attitude, filmmakers are also looking out for fresh faces. The latest to become a favourite for four directors, even before a single release, is Dhananjay, now known as Dhanu in the industry.
Hailing from a village, Kalenahalli, Arasikere, Hassan, Dhanu is indeed lucky, given the fact that not many get a chance, before they prove their mettle. "I still do not have any idea about my acting skills as people have not yet seen me. But I am working hard to become a good hero," said Dhanu who admits that in today's industry a hero's features matter a lot. "Apart from height and looks, voice is also an important factor for any one to be a hero. From childhood, people called me bombai (loudspeaker). The reason for my moulded voice is my participation in lot of dramas from the beginning," he said.
Dhanu's debut film titled Director's Special, directed by Guruprasad, is all set to release. "The movie started two-and-half years ago. I am yet to get noticed in the industry because director Guruparasad did not wish to expose me before the film's release. So I had to wait," said Dhanu, who was selected for director Om Prakash's next when the latter saw one of the clippings of his first film. "He roped me in for the film Huccha. Later Harikrishna and director AP Arjun selected me on the same grounds for Raate. As of now, they are only considering my looks and personality; they are yet to see my actual performance," said Dhanu.
Dhanu's acting stint began during his school days. He said, "From the beginning I was participating in various dramas. Even my father and a couple of elders in the family did plays. Even today, my chikkappa KG Eshwarappa, is part of dramas."
Dhanu later went to Mysore for further studies. "Being a rank student, I was under pressure because my parents had put in a lot of effort. So I could not pursue my drama passion very seriously. But I had decided that after PU, I would pursue drama. And so, while I took up Computer Science course in Mysore, under the guidance of Mime Ramesh, I started participating in various plays with the GPIER group. I consider Mime as my guru. Later I joined Infosys and also continued to be part of theatre," he said.
Life took a U-turn for Dhanu in 2008. "Knowing that I wanted to fulfil my dream, I left Infosys in a year. Meanwhile, I came across a German theatre director who took me to Germany for a month long workshop," said the newbie who is glad to have met the right directors at the right time.
"When I was in search of a director who could consider me, I met Guruprasad with whom I started as an associate director. Director's Special was supposed to be Komal's film who opted out. When I stepped in, the director changed the script for me," he explained.
Dhanu, who has taken six years to reach this level, has no regrets. "It would have been much better if my first film had an early release. But to have worked with a director like Guruprasad, it is worth waiting," he said.