<p>H e is a star in the world of skating. A youth from Mysore achieved a distinguished honour of being national champion for five successive years winning 15 gold medals. He swept the medals in skating at Asian Games-2010 held in China last year. Soon, he will shine on silver screen.<br /><br />Yes, Pratheek Raja, a skater who made city proud on the world stage with his unique feat is starring in a Kannada film. Though, Pratheek would continue with his passion – skating, he would also make an attempt to make a mark through acting. <br /><br />A small-time actor in television serials so far, the skater is aiming big in the sandalwood. Interestingly, his debut movie is being directed by Srikanth H R, producer and father of Master Kishan, who directed the film Care Of Footpath. The story of yet to be named film revolves around how talented sportsmen face injustice in selection for national awards. And, the cast for lead roles are from sports background, alike Pratheek.<br /><br />“The film talks about politics and nepotism in selection of awards and how the real talent gets sidelined. The film is not any imaginary story. But, real life situations faced by most talented sportsmen. It tries to expose the award selection committee. The movie has the story of an athlete, a motor rally champion and a champion skater. Obviously, Pratheek Raja will play the role of a skater. He also met injustice in being denied Ekalavya award ,” a source close to the director Srikanth told City Herald. <br /><br />Srikanth, a city-based skating coach and Ekalavya awardee (1995) approves the injustice to city skaters. “Government has given Ekalavya award to a skater after a gap of 11 years. <br /><br />The Skating Federation of India was confident of Pratheek making for the honour. At least, we pinned hopes on two of city’s other skaters – Varsha Puranik (25 gold medals) and Pragna (18 gold medals) if a choice was made for a girl. But, all our hopes were dashed when names of awardees was announced,” he says and adds that Pratheek Raja is one of the finest and best skaters in country’s skating history. <br /><br />He is an exceptionally good talent. He swept gold medals in the Asian Games in China. Pratheek has the skill and talent to bring many more honours to the nation if the skating makes it to Olympics in future. It would happen for sure as the sport made it to Asian games last year. <br /><br />“Pratheek has been acting in serials since few years. I believe his acting in film will not in any way hinder his skating talent, though the denial of national award has disappointed him in recent days. I hope Pratheek will keep his morale high and continue his sporting endeavour. He can shine in the world of skating for at least another 10 years. Acting must not distract his sport talent,” he says.</p>
<p>H e is a star in the world of skating. A youth from Mysore achieved a distinguished honour of being national champion for five successive years winning 15 gold medals. He swept the medals in skating at Asian Games-2010 held in China last year. Soon, he will shine on silver screen.<br /><br />Yes, Pratheek Raja, a skater who made city proud on the world stage with his unique feat is starring in a Kannada film. Though, Pratheek would continue with his passion – skating, he would also make an attempt to make a mark through acting. <br /><br />A small-time actor in television serials so far, the skater is aiming big in the sandalwood. Interestingly, his debut movie is being directed by Srikanth H R, producer and father of Master Kishan, who directed the film Care Of Footpath. The story of yet to be named film revolves around how talented sportsmen face injustice in selection for national awards. And, the cast for lead roles are from sports background, alike Pratheek.<br /><br />“The film talks about politics and nepotism in selection of awards and how the real talent gets sidelined. The film is not any imaginary story. But, real life situations faced by most talented sportsmen. It tries to expose the award selection committee. The movie has the story of an athlete, a motor rally champion and a champion skater. Obviously, Pratheek Raja will play the role of a skater. He also met injustice in being denied Ekalavya award ,” a source close to the director Srikanth told City Herald. <br /><br />Srikanth, a city-based skating coach and Ekalavya awardee (1995) approves the injustice to city skaters. “Government has given Ekalavya award to a skater after a gap of 11 years. <br /><br />The Skating Federation of India was confident of Pratheek making for the honour. At least, we pinned hopes on two of city’s other skaters – Varsha Puranik (25 gold medals) and Pragna (18 gold medals) if a choice was made for a girl. But, all our hopes were dashed when names of awardees was announced,” he says and adds that Pratheek Raja is one of the finest and best skaters in country’s skating history. <br /><br />He is an exceptionally good talent. He swept gold medals in the Asian Games in China. Pratheek has the skill and talent to bring many more honours to the nation if the skating makes it to Olympics in future. It would happen for sure as the sport made it to Asian games last year. <br /><br />“Pratheek has been acting in serials since few years. I believe his acting in film will not in any way hinder his skating talent, though the denial of national award has disappointed him in recent days. I hope Pratheek will keep his morale high and continue his sporting endeavour. He can shine in the world of skating for at least another 10 years. Acting must not distract his sport talent,” he says.</p>
