From Love Guru to Gaana Bajaanaa

Kannada actor Tarun has given up smoking to do complete justice to his role in the upcoming Kannada flick Gaana Bajaanaa.

The film centers around three people in a dance school named 'Gaana Bajaanaa'.

"I perform energetic dances in the film and cigarettes would have reduced my stamina. So I quit smoking and now hope to rid myself of the habit for good," says Tarun.

To fit into the skin of his character Krish, Tarun also attended dance classes and worked out at the gym twice a day. While Tarun had learnt jazz and freestyle from Shaimak Davar's school before, for this film he underwent training in beboying, a dance form that is hugely popular these days.

"I have put 200 percent effort for this project. Even during shooting I used to switch off my mobile phone to avoid distractions," he adds.

The film also stars his Love Guru co-stars Radhika Pandit and Dilip Raj. They are teaming up with their Love Guru director Prashanth Raj and music composer Joshva Shridhar to weave another success story.

Krish is an extrovert unlike Pratham, the character Tarun played in Love Guru.

"Essaying this role was quite a challenge as in person I am an introvert and can get moody at times. But the fact that I was shooting with familiar faces made things easy for me. In fact we had a blast and the prankster in me had a field day! I remember how while shooting for the title track, I had spray painted not just the props as required in the song, but also my co-stars, director and a few costumes," he recalled.

Radhika also recalls having a fun time while shooting for the song.

"You'll see me in different hairstyles in the song. I have even worn a crown and held a Veena. Throughout the film, I have a very glamorous look. Radhe is a complete contrast to the girl-next-door Kushi I played in Love Guru. She is someone who knows what she wants in life and wants to fall in love with a macho guy; someone who has chelas carrying out all his orders," she says.  

Dilip Raj has also undergone a makeover for the film. He plays a goon in the film and sports a toned body, beard and long hair.

"I was given a brief about my character four months before we commenced shooting. I was required to look like a hero. You will see a change in my body language and dialogue delivery as well," he adds.

So who is his favourite mass hero?

"I enjoy watching all of them though I like Shivanna in Jogi the best. The look added to the character," he says.

Senior artist C R Simha is also a part of the cast. He plays a retired food inspector and thus all his dialogues will have references to food items.

Sharan has been roped in to add humour to the story too. "I can already taste the success of this film. The entire team is positive, energetic and dedicated," he says.

While the film is set for a June release, the music is already out. Hosadondu hesaridu... and Naanu ega nanena... are already topping the charts.

Apart from Love Guru, Shridhar had composed music for Puneet starrer Arasu. "I am working with Prashanth and this team for the second time. They are an energetic lot, especially Prashanth. He is such fun to work with except when he tortures me to give him an opportunity to sing a song. He can sing alright, but not in a film, at least not in this lifetime!" he jokes. 

Gaana Bajaanaa has been shot in Bangkok and Bangalore apart from Mysore's Premier Studio, which was recently renovated following a fire.