In an industry where finding the right opportunity is like flying through the dark clouds of impossibility towards the light, Radio Jockey turned actress Manvitha Harish seems to be destiny’s child. Having earned the lead role in Suri’s Kendasampige - Part II Ginimari Case, Manvitha surely belongs to the breed of actors who not only know the demands of an aggressive industry, but understand it well too.
“Though I did not have any godfather, being a Radio Jockey was my trump card. As an RJ, I developed my contacts. Eventually, a connect of mine recommended my name to Suri 18 months back. I was called for the auditions and got selected,” says the actress, who indicates that apart from her acting skills, she had three qualities that Suri was looking for in his leading lady.“I am used to driving long distances and know Kannada throughly. In fact, I am well versed with Mangaluru Kannada, Malnad Kannada, Dharwad Kannada and Bengaluru Kannada, which became an advantage. As for the looks, I cannot really judge myself,” she says.Having never attended any acting workshops or learning the nuances of acting by watching films, Manvitha says that her best teacher was the mirror. “I observe people and used to come back and imitate them in front of the mirror. That’s how I learnt to play various characters,” she notes.
Talking about the film, the aspiring actress reveals that it is a film based on a journey. “There is lot of travelling and it was a dream come true to work in the film and act alongside a very humble, soft spoken and creative artiste like Suri,” she says.
While Suri is renowned for his skillful direction, sources claim that he has also penned the lyrics for Kendasampige, but according to Manvitha, none of the songs have been used. “He is a good actor and dialogue writer. Though he has penned many lines, none have been used for the songs. Probably, he is not putting too much effort because he knows that there are already many lyricists in Sandalwood,” she clarifies and reveals that the director who previously used to write sign boards before entering the industry. “While travelling for the shoot, there were many places where we had to create milestones. He took personal interest and drew the kilometers and location names on many milestones. In fact, I recently visited his Dodmane sets where I saw him splashing a huge art work on the wall. His handwriting is also too good. It was very nice to know the other side of our director,” she elaborates.Having learnt the basic ethics of working professionally through Kendasampige, Manvitha says that Radhika Pandit has been her biggest inspiration. “I learnt a lot by just watching her. Even Suri gives examples of Radhika and Bhavana, who played the lead in his film Jackie,” she reveals.
On her plans, she says, though her interest is in the future because that is where she would be spending the rest of her life, she is currently waiting for the release of Kendasampige. “I don’t think I can ever play a role like that of Kendasampige, if offered again. I look forward to do various roles and have got offers from other languages too, but I will wait for the release of Kendasampige to know what awaits me in the film industry,” she says.