Breaking Records and Creating History: Srujan Lokesh’s Remarkable Journey in Kannada Cinema
In the realm of records, some are meant to be shattered, while others stand as unassailable milestones. Such a moment has now arrived for the iconic ‘Talking Star’ and household name of Kannada cinema and television, Srujan Lokesh.
This occasion holds a unique distinction – not just Srujan Lokesh’s directorial debut, but also directing his mother, Girija Lokesh, in the opening scene of the film at Bengaluru’s Bande Makalamma temple.
Srujan Lokesh’s inaugural accomplishment is deeply intertwined with Kannada cinema’s history. Dating back to 1934, his grandfather, the revered late actor Lokesh, portrayed a child actor role in the first talkie film release featuring Subbaiah Naidu, the pioneering hero of Kannada cinema. The film, titled ‘Sati Sulochana,’ marked the inaugural release in the 89-year history of Kannada cinema.
Fast forward to 1991, Lokesh directed ‘Bujagayyana Dashavathara,’ and it was a young Srujan Lokesh who introduced the renowned Pallavi Joshi to the screen. Lokesh, a veteran actor, produced and directed the film.
Now, 32 years later in 2023, a new chapter unfolds – Srujan Lokesh steps into the director’s chair for the first time, with his son Master Sukruth taking on a role under his father’s guidance. This unprecedented multi-generational involvement in direction is a testament to Srujan Lokesh’s innovative approach. It’s worth noting that Srujan Lokesh’s mother, Girija Lokesh, is also a celebrated actor in the Kannada cinema industry.
Spanning four generations of the Lokesh family – from Subbaiah Naidu to Lokesh, Srujan Lokesh, and Sukruth – their collective presence on screen is an extraordinary legacy. Similarly, in the esteemed Dr. Rajakumar’s family, the tradition of acting continues, with iconic figures like Dr. Rajakumar, Shivarajakumar, Raghavendra, Puneeth, and the emerging talents such as Vinay Rajakumar, Guru Rajakumar, Poornima, Dhanya, Dheeran, and Shanmukha.
Srujan Lokesh’s second distinctive touch is the lucky number 7, which echoes in his latest endeavor, the Kannada film ‘GST.’ With his 2023 film launch aligned with this fortunate numeral, it’s his 25th film – a combination resulting in 7. Notably, this also marks the 34th film produced by Sandesh Nagaraj, which further accentuates the numerological significance within the freshly unveiled ‘GST’ (GhostS in Trouble).
