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It was certainly the biggest launch Kannada film industry has seen in recent times.
But then National Award winner Prakash Raj (Rai for his Kannada film fans) did not want to leave any stone unturned when he turns a director for the first time.
He wanted his friends of the film industry, theatre and literary world to be present on the day when he launched his directorial debut, the Kannada film Naanu Nanna Kanasu. The film is produced by Prakash Raj's Duet Movies and his friends B Suresha and his wife Shylaja Nag of the Media House Studio.
The movie is the remake of the Tamil film Abhiyum Naanum produced by Praksh Raj and directed by Radha Mohan. Ramya plays Prakash Raj's daughter (played by Trisha in the original).
The usual muhurat and pooja ceremonies apart, what separated the event from the other big launches was the programme which had seven well known celebrities from the film and literary world reading letters written to their daughters which had its share of comedy and emotions.
'Crazy star' Ravichandran who encouraged Prakash Raj in a big way when he was a struggler and Ramesh Arvind who has been his friend for many years, took the cake by making an entertaining yet touching speeches. They read their crisp letters later.
'Golden star' Ganesh who has become a father very recently read a nice letter to his little Putti Charithra. The others who also read letters included Yogaraj Bhat, Nagathihalli Chandrashekhar, Vishweshwara Bhat and Ravi Belagere.
Prakash Raj delivered an emotional speech on his journey from being a struggler in the theatre scene to the moment when he turns a film director. "In this journey, I have met several hardworking and intelligent people working in different languages. This journey has brought me here where I am realising my dream of turning a new leaf in my profession. This is my first step in directing films and I need all your support and encouragement. It is a new experience for me," said Prakash. He also thanked his daughter Pooja who has always been guiding him and helping him in doing his best in films.
Music director Hamsalekha who is composing songs for Prakash's film had organised an orchestra earlier where popular singers rendered memorable lullabies from Kannada films. All these songs were about daughters.