Actor Likith Shetty Speaks on Tryst with Film Industry

By Chetana Kamath, Daijiworld Weekly

Mangalore, Nov 14: “I have no Godfather apart from my hardwork; for me work is worship and I put my cent per cent effort come what may, provided I am confident about the same,” says Likith Shetty whose ‘Oriyardori Asal,’ Tulu movie will be hitting the theatres in two months' time and whose role in Kannada movie ‘Parole,’ as a debutant was acclaimed by the film critics.

“Having a godfather helps to get an opportunity but it’s only the hard work which has long lasting impact,” asserts Likith. Having said this, he doesn’t fall short of expressing his gratitude to his actress friend Priyanka Chandra who referred him for the movie Parole. For ‘Oriyardori Asal,’ he was referred by Ranjith Shetty of ‘Buntara Sangama’ magazine and Prashanth, associate director of the movie.

“As a kid I was a laughing stock among my cousins for telling them that my ambition was to be an actor. As during those days pursuing a career in medicine, engineering or teaching was the norm. At times I would get beaten up by my parents for saying that,” says Likith.

“It would leave me embarrassed also but as they say faith gives us new eyes, and nothing looks the same to us anymore. I took their criticisms constructively as I knew that I will make it big one day. And was all set to put in maximum efforts to pursue my dream.”

“If during my childhood days my cousins laughed at me, now its my turn, because my dream has come true,” a confident Likith says.

“I started acting from the age 16, did my diploma in theater from Navarasa School of Art. Getting admission in the Navarasa School of Art was not easy," recalls Likith. “I went there on time for the audition and was handed over a two-page long sheet of the scene and dialogues written in Kannada. I looked at it and went blank as I do not know to read and write any language apart from English due to dad’s transferable job which made me change seven schools throughout my school life.

"After the long wait  when it was  my turn, I stepped in chanting every gods' name possible and as soon as I entered, I told my Guruji of Navarasa that I didn’t understand the script because I did not know the language. So my Guruji Asha explained the script and asked me to use my own dialogue and act according to the scene she had explained. I therefore performed from the depth of my heart and soul and the result  was that I was the topper and had scored nine out of ten. My confidence went a notch up like a bright star in the sky and the next thing I knew I was in the theatre school.

“All of this wouldn’t be possible without my father. He was the main reason for me to get into theatre,” Likith says, “Seeing my passion for acting my father  when coming  across audition pamphlet of the Navarasa encouraged me to go for it. Navarasa was my first step and a step closer to my dream and ambition," he adds, “Just as my parents Prakashchandra Shetty and Shalini Shetty taught me how to walk, they also helped me to move a step closer to my dream. My sister Lipi too has motivated me a lot and continues to do that.  Though we had our own share of financial problems my family has given me unconditional support.” he adds.

“Having someone in the background definitely gives courage and support. Love from my family, friends and their blessings, which is the most important thing to have in life,” Likith says.

Likith states that any film industry encourages new comers, it is also true that industry accepts an actor who is good at work. “Kannada industry is one industry where I have seen people (audience) do not accept films just for a single reason. The film should have a Good Story-Screen Play-Dialogues-Music-Actors-Direction-Cinematography etc. When all these aspects are good only then the movie fares well in the box office."

As far as Tulu film industry is concerned Likith says it is fast growing.

“Working for Oriyaradori Asal was a once-in-a-lifetime experience. When I hear the name of that movie my grin gets wider. The movie is an ultimate comedy penned by Vijaykumar Kodialbail coupled with amazing comic performances by Naveen D Padil, Arvind Bolar, Rekha Das, Suresh Anchan, Chaitra, Rajesh Bantwal, Lakshmi Devi, Santosh Shetty and a great working chemistry with Ramya Barna who plays the heroine.

Recalling some rib-tickling moments Likith says, “There were scenes wherein it would get hard for me to control my laughter when the comedians and I would have to act with a combination of comedy and seriousness. Giving sober expression proved to be difficult. “Further, camera work by P L Ravi and good direction by Hasu Rajshekar also added to its beauty.” he adds.

Likith is  all praises for Mangalore and its people. He says, “Shooting in Mangalore was a great experience; nothing in the world could be as sweet as the people of Mangalore and it’s climate. Over all shooting for the movie “Superr Addh itthinde maarayre, (It was a superb experience).

Likith who is an interior designer by profession runs his architecture firm called ‘Entourer Architects and Designers’in Bangalore. He also was an anchor to the U2 Live music channel for three years and has anchored over 1,500 episodes which is a great achievement. “I will be thankful to Udaya TV- U2 in particular for giving me an opportunity to create my identity. But acting is a completely different segment from anchoring on television. Anchoring is presenting your personality on screen and acting is play of personality, so they are completely different.” Likith informs.

Likith also has made a guest appearance in ‘Madabeda,’ song for the film ‘Sriharikathe,’ with Pooja Gandhi through Dr Kiran who had referred him to director Dayal Padmanabhan. He also lent his voice for a character called Rahul in the Kannada film ‘Jolly Days.’

“The movie Oriyardori Asal is worth watching. Fans, audience and supporters play a very vital role in making a movie successful.” Likith says, “Please watch the movie and support the Tulu industry to achieve another milestone in film industry,” he urges. 

Likith who has a huge fan following on social networking sites like Facebook and Twitter wants his fans to express their opinions through these sites.

As the saying goes, ‘The future belongs to those who believe in the beauty of their dreams,’ Likith dreamt of becoming an actor and has ‘acted’ upon it to turn it into a reality.