Sandalwood actor Vijay Raghavendra stepped into the Kannada film industry as a child artiste with ‘Chinnari Mutha’.
It was the lead role in ‘Ninagagi’, where he played a sensitive and playful boy-next-door, that eventually turned him into a hero. ‘Rishi’, ‘Kallaralli Hoovagi’ and ‘Kalla Malla Sulla’ , which is the remake of ‘No Entry’, were some of the movies that can be described as the highlights of his career.
‘Sevanthi Sevanthi’, a home production, was also a milestone in his career.
The actor, who was awarded ‘Karnataka State Film Award for Best Actor’ for
‘Shivayogi Sri Puttayyajja’ in 2016, is now busy with his directorial production ‘Kismat’. Apart from that, his next film ‘Chowka’ is ready for release and he will also be seen in a prominent role in ‘Leader’.
Cinema
‘Cast Away’
“A movie that I have always loved is the Tom Hanks’ starrer ‘Cast Away’. He is my favourite actor and the way he holds the audience’s attention is commendable. The film was a great lesson to all actors across the world. When it comes to a film that has always inspired me, it is ‘Bangaarada Manushya’ which starred Dr Rajkumar. This film was not a so-called commercial movie, yet it had all the elements to make a fantastic film. It had the best of actors, a great script, and also showcased good values and humour which made it the audience’s favourite. It is very relevant in today’s times.”
Food
‘Chicken Biryani’
“I like food but I wouldn’t call myself a foodie. I am not the kind of person who would experiment with varied cuisines. I like sticking to my favourite choices. I love ‘chicken biryani’ and that’s the first thing I always order. I also love Mangalurean cuisine. Their style of cooking is like none other. I especially relish the crab specialities in this cuisine. Apart from that, I am fond of chocolates, icecreams and cakes.”
Travel
Goa
“I usually end up going to Goa whenever I have the time.
I like the fact that the place has a character and attitude of its own. Everyone is busy doing their own thing. Often, I am not able to be myself in Bengaluru, but I can be myself there.
Of all the places I visit every year, Annapoorneshwari Temple in Horanadu is my favourite. I feel at peace whenever I am there. “
Inspiration
Dr Rajkumar
“Apart from the great actor that he is, Dr Rajkumar, who was also a part of my family, was always a big inspiration. He was a great human being and I always wanted to be like him. He had a balanced approach to everything and was very humble. He would be excited about the smallest of things and was a very supportive person. Whenever he used to express his opinion, he would keep others in mind.
Dr Rajkumar also strongly believed that one needs to be always open to learning new things.”
Musician
Michael Jackson
“I love music. My kind of music includes that of all-time favourite artistes like Yanni and Michael Jackson. I am a fan of Yanni’s ‘Live at the Acropolis’. I am also fond of all songs by Michael Jackson, be it ‘Blood On The Dance Floor’ or ‘You Are Not Alone’. I love dancing and so I jump to foot-tapping numbers like the ones by Michael Jackson.
I also like songs which are about people and talk about them.”