Years of dedication are required to transform dreams into reality, a truth exemplified in the life of actor Gultoo Naveen Shankar. Hailing from an agricultural background in Uttar Kannada district, Naveen Shankar found his footing in the glitzy realm of cinema after the success of the Kannada film ‘Gultoo.’
A noteworthy incident from his youth reflects his inquisitive nature. One day, he queried his friends about the wealth of Ravichandran in comparison to his own. This curiosity stemmed from Crazy Star V Ravichandran’s act of dismantling and reconstructing an expensive film set. Such extravagance was emblematic of the renowned filmmaker’s style.
Naveen Shankar’s innocence shone through as he recounted this tale during the pre-release event of his new film ‘Kshetrapathi’ at MMB Legacy. He expressed his belief that landowners were the wealthiest individuals, a perspective he held during his earlier years.
The passage of time led Naveen Shankar to Bengaluru, where he pursued a career in journalism, particularly in Cable TV. Yet, his dream of entering the film industry persisted. In 2009, ‘Gultoo’ breathed life into his aspirations, and his portrayal of ‘Bali’ in ‘Gurudev Hoysala’ earned him further acclaim.
Today, with films like ‘Hondisi Bareyiri’ and ‘Dharani Mandala Madyadolage,’ 35-year-old Naveen Shankar eagerly anticipates the moment when his hero persona will grace the silver screen. That moment arrives as he takes center stage in ‘Kshetrapathi,’ set to premiere on August 18.
The meeting between Naveen Shankar and ‘Kshetrapathi’ director Srikanth K following the success of ‘Gultoo’ led to two key discussions. While Naveen Shanker chose the subject of ‘Kshetrapathi,’ which sheds light on the struggles of farmers, finding a producer posed a challenge. The onset of the Corona Pandemic delayed the project by two years. Eventually, through the collaborative effort of 13 friends, each investing Rs. 1 lakh, the project found its footing. Executive producers Darshan Jayanna, Vivek, and Srinivas Betegere joined the venture, and ‘Kshetrapathi’ became a reality.
Arriving at the opportune moment, ‘Kshetrapathi’ addresses the plight of farmers. I step into the shoes of Basava, representing the lower middle class—a character resonating with numerous individuals across the nation. With a hopeful heart, Gultoo Naveen Shankar aspires to realize his dream through this role and aims to garner significant attention for the film.
