His real love for films and creativity as an actor and director is the reason he is the Real Star of Sandalwood. In fact, his first director-actor venture A is a class apart, and the baby seen crying in the first scene of the film is none other than his real nephew Niranjan Sudhindra. Son of the Real Star Upendra’s elder brother Sudhindra, Niranjan is set to debut as an actor in the lead role, which incidentally also features his aunt Priyanka Upendra in a special role in a mystery thriller with a political backdrop. The dashing young actor Niranjan, a professional dancer who has assisted his uncle as assistant director to learn the finer aspects of film making speaks exclusively with Bengaluru Chronicle about his debut, his famous uncle and aunt — Mr and Mrs Upendra, who are his biggest strengths, and much more.

“I have grown up watching my uncle’s films — he is an inspiration and I am simply lucky to be his nephew. In fact, I have worked in two films as a child actor, one in which I portrayed the childhood of legendary Sahasasimha late Dr Vishnuvardhan Sir in Ballari Naga, and another with my uncle himself. Unfortunately, this film did not release. I have also worked as an assistant director for Uppi 2, for at least two schedules and am now making my debut as an actor in a lead role. The film is in production, and is yet to be titled. My aunt Priyanka Upendra essays a special role, and it’s indeed a special debut for me,” smiles Niranjan Sudhindra.

A versatile personality just like his uncle, Niranjan is in his last semester studying Bachelors in Business Administration (BBA) at PES College. A professional dancer in a dance troupe of his own at college, he also has a fair bit of theatre experience. That apart, working behind the scenes in films in his uncle’s ventures and script writing are his passions. About his acting debut, he reveals that though both his uncle, aunt and parents expressed a strong desire to launch him in a big way, Niranjan chose to gain real experience of acting in films, and okayed the first film after his family were sure of the learning all this stints had endowed.

“One of the directors, Mr Yogi Devagange who had come to meet my aunt, saw my photographs and expressed a desire to cast me in his film as I suited the character well. He wanted me to grow a stubble or a beard, and after a couple of months, he offered me the role. When I discussed it with the family, they concurred. In fact, I wanted to start off being no one, and I am glad I am gaining the much-needed experience, as working behind the camera is different and acting is a whole new thing which requires detailed attention,” Niranjan says.

In the film which is yet to be titled, Niranjan plays the role of a “rough” unpredictable young man who confuses the audience subtly by his portrayal. Working along with his aunt, Niranjan feels, has been splendid as she was a constant source of support apart from his uncle and parents. “They both guide me on how to prepare for the role, and what more can I ask for when learning from such great actors and an inspiring filmmaker? At home, I love all the yummy dishes my aunt cooks. My mother, is also happy about my debut.” Niranjan hopes to create his own mark in the industry with his dance skills, and behind the camera experience. Given his “real” stints, that just might be the clincher!