Meet the new chocolate boy of Kannada cinema

Diganth is the new chocolate boy of the Kannada film industry, affectionately called by the tabloids as Doothpeda Diganth.
He started his career in Kodlu Ramakrishna's Miss California, which was followed by SMS 2260. But it was the small role in Yogaraj Bhat's Mungaru Male that made him popular. An important role Galipata with Ganesh got him rave reviews.

From then on, he became a busy hero and is now eagerly awaiting the release of many films featuring him as a solo hero like Yogaraj Bhat's Manasaare and newbie director Sandeep's Bisile.

The actor spoke to R G Vijayasarathy on the eve of the release of his new film House Full -- directed by actor-director Hemanth Hegde.

The release of House Full coincided with the heat generated by e-Preethi controversy. Do you feel that will affect House Full?

I don't think controversies about e-Preethi -- which was easily avoidable and unnecessary -- will make an impact on House Full. The two films are totally different. House Full has two heroes and two heroines.

The story revolves around two spoilt brats who chase two girls to get rich. It is a comedy and I have enjoyed working in it. Hemanth is less pretentious and has good ideas. He has worked earlier as a director in both Kannada and Hindi films. Hemanth told me that the censors have appreciated the film and have happily given a U certificate. I am sure the film will make the audience laugh.

I have already acted in a multi-star comedy Mast Majaa Maadi released last year which was a hit. I am sure House Full will also be liked.

Hegde was reportedly unhappy that you did not attend some of the pre-release promos. Apparently, you remained inaccessible to him.

Hegde's concerns were understandable as he was planning to release the film on July 10. The film is being made by the Mumbai Corporate House, Maverick Productions which wanted the film to be released before July as they were planning to start another Kannada film in August.

I was busy in the shooting of Manasaare in the inaccessible areas in Madikeri. There was a network problem. I had switched off my mobiles during the shooting. Now I have started attending the pre-release publicity meets.

It looks as if you are giving more importance to Manasaare.

I am not focusing on Manasaare at the expense of other films. I want all my films to run. Manasaare is making news and triggered a lot of curiosity not because of me, but because of Yograj Bhat, music director Mano Murthy and producer Rockline. I am benefited largely because I am associated with such a big film.  

I am glad to be a part of Yogaraj Bhat's projects right from Mungaru Male. The small role in Mungaru Male gave a big boost to my career. I can never forget the experience of working in a film like Gaalipata. Now he has selected me to play the lead in Manasaare which is being made by a prestigious producer like Rockline Venkatesh.

Manasaare is certainly a big film for me. We worked for 65 days in Madikeri and the nearby areas. Bhat sir is the real hero and heroine of the film. Both Andrita and I are his tools used to narrate his romantic, comical and entertaining tale. I am waiting for the release of the film's audio on July 31, which will be a big event. There are six lovely songs in the film.

What about Bisile, directed by first-time director Sandeep?

We have shot the film mostly in the jungles of Karnataka and Kerala. Bisile will be a totally different film for me. It is the story of two youngsters meeting in a journey and falling in love. The story line may not be unusual, but its presentation by Sandeep is. He is in fact a software professional with a deep passion for filmmaking. I am teamed up with Jennifer.

What is your final word about the controversy relating to your uncompleted film e-Preethi?

I have already said that I have no problem working with the e-Preethi team again. I just want an apology from its director Ms Priya Bharathi, who has made some wild and unsubstantiated accusations against me. Once she makes a public apology, I would certainly work for the film. The ball is now in Ms Priya Bharathi's court.