Sandalwood actor Yash is definitely in the limelight. Unlike Bollywood, which is known for the `100 crore club—now `300 crore—in Sandalwood, Yash has been part of the 100 days club with three of his films—Drama, Googly and now Raja Hulli —successfully crossing the three-figure mark. And he is definitely glad. “A film running for 100 days in theatres has become rare. With the present trend of looking at the initial box office success and the revenue earned, a century does matter a lot to me. While I am lucky to have got good scripts, I am equally thankful to the audience who, I feel, have been sweetly partial towards me,” he says.
Yash’s achievements have put him on a high as his success rate has been increasing with each film. “I feel people have started recognising my hard work. In spite of the challenge of being an actor, I feel proud to have people coming to watch me. Success definitely matters in the industry and it also stretches the journey further,” says the actor.
Up next from him is Gajakesari by Krishna, a well-known cinematographer who has turned director with this film. Yash will be seen in two avatars—a periodic tribal and one as a normal self. The actor has kept all his other commitments aside for almost a year to get prepared for the role in Gajakesari and according to him, to be a good actor, one should also understand the potential of the character and the subject on the whole. “I have always committed for one film at a time. I believe in going by the demands of the project because I am answerable to many people and these kind of projects take time. Moreover, while we can earn money, earning a quality film matters and it is all about walking that extra mile, says Yash, adding, his efforts are miniscule compared to the rest of the team.
On his association with Krishna, whom Yash calls Kittappa, the actor says, “I always liked his work as a cinematographer and I have been associated with him in four films. Being a good friend of his, I knew he had a passion for whatever he does. Thanks to Kittappa, who has attempted to portray me in a different manner.”
With the trailers getting positive feedback from all corners, Yash admits that all his hard work will pay off if the film gets a wide reception. He says, “We had to get trained underwater. I had to work on my fitness and watch my diet for eight long months. But then it is always good to know the original reaction. In spite of the chaos, I have managed to watch movies with the audience,” he says.
His identifiable persona has worked for him in the field that is ruled by superstars and today, he is recognised among the big league actors of Kannada industry. “Nothing comes without any effort. The superstar feeling is more like a child wanting to be a superman and I feel good to be in the big league,” he says.