Top News

Kannada Film Industry's Golden Star Ganesh looks back on his two-decade long journey in cinema with a sense of wonder. With Kannada and Nepali roots, Ganesh ’s career in acting began far from the arc lights — between Nelamangala and Bengaluru’s Basavanagudi, riding a bike as he juggled a side gig as a realtor. Currently filming for Brunda Vihari, and Thamma Sukhagamana Bayasuva , the actor took time out to reflect on his beginnings, breakthroughs, and the drive that has shaped his career. Excerpts:

‘20 years have flown by’

“It feels like just yesterday that I was hosting a television show and celebrating the success of Mungaru Male . Twenty years have flown by, filled with nothing but good experiences and learning. It has been magical,” he says. Looking back, Ganesh recalls that his love for acting existed long before he saw it as a profession. "Around 2001, after a look test for a role offered by senior television director SK Bhagwan , I was paid Rs 50 on the spot for conveyance. Later, I received more payment. That’s when I realised actors were paid," he laughs. “Initially, I participated in school and college performances and took every small gig in serials, films, or television. I never had a backup plan. I never allowed myself to think of another career. Acting is what I’ve always wanted, and I feel happiest and most myself on a film set,” he says, adding that every role still feels like a dream.

'Hosting Comedy Time changed my career; but I had almost refused to take it up'

While Ganesh credits the show Comedy Time as the turning point in his career, he says he was initially reluctant to take up the task of hosting it. "I didn’t want to host a television show, because at that time, I wanted to focus on films," he says. “The channel wanted someone who was funny and talkative, and they convinced me to take it up. Soon, I became part of households across Karnataka. The concept of prank calls was new then, and the show changed not just my career but also how television anchors were perceived across South India. Even though it was not my first choice, it changed my life," he says.

‘I wanted to be part of Mungaru Male so badly that I actually helped the team find a film producer'

While Chellata marked his debut as a lead actor, Ganesh says stardom came with Mungaru Male. “Chellata ran successfully for 100 days, but I was still just another hero. Mungaru Male changed everything,” he says. “When the film was narrated to me, what excited me most was that it would be shot entirely in the rain. At the time, we didn’t even have a producer. I wanted to be part of it so badly that I helped find one. Mungaru Male made me the ‘Golden Star’ and gave me national recognition. Even today, I am identified with that film. It is almost like a parent to me — it gave birth to my stardom,” he adds.

‘I want to inspire small-town dreamers’

As he marks 20 years in the industry, Ganesh says his goal is to remain worthy of the love he has received while inspiring others. “I want to continue being the Golden Star my fans and the industry have made me. But I also want to inspire small-town dreamers. If someone like me from Nelamangala can achieve this, anyone can dream big,” he says. Reflecting on the industry’s evolution, he adds, “Kannada cinema has grown tremendously over the last 20 years, with films like KGF and Kantara creating magic at the box office. While big-budget, pan-India films are important, we also need to support new filmmakers and stories, and encourage writers to create content that can reach global audiences.”