This friday is a big day for Anup who has chosen cinema over politics. Son of politician H M Revanna, the newbie is excited about the release of his debut, Lakshmana.
“I am feeling very happy. Lakshmana will be my first step into the Kannada film industry. My dream of 15 years will finally be fulfilled this Friday," he says.
Is he nervous? "People will see my hardwork of one year on the big screen. I am anxious to know if the audiences will accept me. I am willing to take criticism and improve myself too,” Anup says.
Star kids generally do well in Sandalwood. When asked if his father's stature gives him confidence, Anup says, “According to me, irrespective of your background, you will feel the pressure to do your best as an actor. I need to do that for my own satisfication, for my individual growth. I am not bound by somebody else’s reputation. I should be satisfied with my own film before I seek validation and encouragement from others."
Besides backing him up as the producer of the film, Revanna also stood by his son while in the process of filmmaking.
“My father used to finance his friends' movies and was part of many TV serials. But I saw how involved he is in filmmaking only on the sets of Lakshmana. At times, I did take his advise,” he says.
Sons of a few other politicians, like Nikhil Kumar and Sachin, started making films alongside Anup. However, this youngster is beating them to the screens this week.
“Yes, we all started at the same time, which was a coincidence. I am here to fulfil my dream of making films. I was surprise that they were debuting in films at the same time, but I am not aware of their motivation,” Anup says.
As the film gets closer to the release date, this newbie is being bombarded with calls from all corners of the state.
“I am getting calls from many people, especially from North Karnataka. Knowing that common people recognise me is a big deal for me. I thank each and everyone for their good wishes,” he says.
Anup's experience in theatre did makehim confident to an extent while facing the camera.
“I underwent workshops and did a lot of practice before coming to the sets of Lakshmana. I was clear in my mind and well aware of the process of filmmaking. So I did not allow fear to build in me. Everything went smooth," he says.
As per Anup, Lakshmana has been a double whammy for it not only fulfilled his wish to become an actor, but also gave him the opportunity to be part of an action thriller.
“I always wanted to do an action film. No other genre interests me. I was delighted when director R Chandru gave me the title ‘Action Star Anup’. I will officially earn the title with my performance in Lakshmana. I am saying this with such confidence only after watching my film. While there are a lot of commercial elements in it, the action will appeal to the family audience,” he says.
Talking about director Chandru, who has given him a launch pad, Anup says, “Being a new actor, I can’t talk much about him. All I can say is that he made sure that I start off with a good project.”
Anup has already started shooting for his second film with S Narayana, which he says is a thriller.
“I have completed a week of shooting and have taken a break to promote Lakshmana. I will go back once the film is released," Anup says.
"My next will be a thriller. I signed it almost instantly and haven't looked back since," he concludes.