Noted Tamil actor Arjun Sarja has turned producer with the Kannada film Vaayuputhra. He's also introducing his nephew  Chiranjeevi Sarja.

The film, which is slated for release on September 3, has been directed by his elder brother Kishore Sarja who breathed his last during the making of the film. Aindrita Ray is the heroine and 'Rebel Star' Ambareesh plays a special role. 

R G Vijayasarathy met the young hero for a chat. Excerpts:

It was said that you were to be introduced in a Tamil movie. Are you happy that you are appearing in a Kannada film first?

Of course. I was born in Karnataka and have my roots there. Kannada is my mother tongue. I don't know who spreads such rumours, but the fact is that I am destined to be introduced in a Kannada film. Even my uncles had decided to launch me in a Kannada film only. I am extremely happy and thrilled. Vaayuputhra will be a big break for me.

Vaayuputhra is a remake of the Tamil film Sandaikozhi directed by Linguswamy. Do you have any regrets in starting your career with a remake?

I don't find anything wrong in being introduced in a remake like Vaayuputhra. Sandaikozhi was the biggest hit of Linguswamy and it was appreciated by everyone. I would like to add that Vaayuputhra is not a frame to frame remake of the original.

My uncles have changed the look of the film and made it look like a Kannada film though the essential story line remains the same. The songs are original. Hari Krishna sir has done a fantastic job as the music director.

The songs indicate that Vaayuputhra is strong on the glamour quotient. It looks like the characterisation of the heroine has been changed.

It would be better for everyone to see the film and then judge. I don't want to add anything other than that there are changes in the way the heroine is presented.

How do you describe the experience of working with a big star like Ambareesh in your first film?

I should say that I had two uncles to protect me during the making of the film. One was my own uncle Arjun Sarja, who has been a big inspiration in my life. Arjun uncle made sure that I made a great debut. He was behind the project completely. He ensured that the film is made well. Arjun uncle took care of everything including my look, my introduction scene, fights, songs ... practically everything. He did not overtly advise me but his presence was enough to guide me. He was my biggest supporter.

Another uncle who lent great support was my favourite actor 'Rebel Star' Ambareesh. He plays the role of my father in the film but gave me a lot creative support by advising me how to carry on many critical situations. I had some of the most difficult scenes with him, but he made things easier or me. He would ensure that all of us are in great mood while working together.

How was it working with Aindrita who has now become the glamour queen of the industry?

Aindrita has now become my good friend. We even danced together at the Amrutha Mahothsava celebrations a few months ago and at another film industry programme organised by the Film Chamber to felicitate Karnataka Chief Minister B S Yediyurappa. Aindrita is a good dancer and we share a good chemistry on screen. We had fun working itogether.

You show your six pack abs in the film. Were you influenced by any other actor?

I have been a fitness freak from my younger days. I go to the gym every day and work out for hours. So, it is natural that I have a toned body. The character in Vaayuputhra needed such a body.

I don't think any other actor can match my uncle (Arjun) as far as body flexibility and physique is concerned. Two decades ago when actors did not even bother so much about physical fitness, he maintained a great physique. So, you can say I am more influenced by my uncle than anybody else!