BANGALORE: Shivarajkumar, the hat-trick hero of Sandalwood, looked quite at peace in his simple costumes at Rockline Studios during the shooting of Devarukotta Thangi. In the film he plays the role of an ideal brother who sacrifices everything for the sake of his beloved sister, who is being played by Meera Jasmine. The film is being directed and produced by Om Sai Prakash.
It was not the first time that Shivarajkumar is playing a responsible and affectionate brother, having acted as an elder brother in films such as Thavarige Baa Thangi, Anna Thangi and Bandhu Balaga. While Radhika played his sister in two films, Tejaswini did the sister turn in Bandhu Balaga. Though the film Bandhu Balaga failed to make an impact at the box office, Thavarige Baa Thangi and Anna Thangi had the producers raking in the moolah. Both of the films were directed by Om Sai Prakash.
Since Shivarajkumar’s earlier films were a huge success at the box office, his fans expect Devarukotta Thangi to achieve similar success at the box office.
“I am playing Meera Jasmine’s brother in the film. Ours is a poor family which finds it tough to make both ends meet. I am sure that this film will be a big hit at the box office,’’ says Shivarajkumar, who is affectionately called as Shivanna by his fans and well-wishers.
Radhika and Shivanna are regarded as the best brother sister pairing in Sandalwood. So when it came to acting without Radhika and adapting to Meera Jasmine, he says, “Yes. It is true that both of us are known as the best pair to play brother and sister. However, I do not know why Radhika is not acting more. But I think that Meera Jasmine is second to none in playing sister roles,’’ said Shivanna.
“I am a huge fan. She is my favourite actress, and she has had the privilege of winning a National Award for her performance. I am yet to achieve that feat. She is like my sister and I like her character. She is so simple and has no ego issues. I felt I was acting with my own sister while acting with her,’’ Shivanna adds with awe. Meera Jasmine had acted in Kannada films Maurya and Arasu in which Power Star Puneeth Rajkumar was the hero.
Explaining about her role in Devarukotta Thangi, Meera Jasmine says, “I am lucky to have this role. Shivanna made everyday the best day of our shooting. He also gave me lot of suggestions.’’