By Rajesh Venur, NewsKarnataka -Mangalore
Mangalore born Yajna Shetty is an upcoming and promising actress who made her debut in Sandalwood through “Ondru Preethiya Kathe”.
Daughter of Madoor Umesh and Jayanthi Shetty, Yajna has two elder sisters, Mamtha and Gayathri and one younger sister Ashwini.
She did her schooling in Kendra Vidyalaya in Kudremukh, BBM in SDM College Mangalore and MBA in Manipal University.
An ambitious young girl, Yajna has been in the industry for quite long now and has delivered excellence in area of her performance. In her own words, her entry into film industry was ‘quite accidental’. Yajna makes it a point to say that her mother has always been very supportive towards her career.
Yajna Shetty has Kwatle, Sadagara and Ulidavaru Kandante are the Kannada movies lined-up for release in 2014. She has also proved her acting skills in ‘Ondu Preethiya Kathe,’ ‘Love Guru,’ Eddelu Manjunatha, Surgreeva, Kari Chirathe, Kalla Malla Sulla, Allidhe Nammane Ille Bande Summane, Panchamrutha and many more.
NewsKarnataka had a candid chat with the versatile actress. Here are the excerpts of the interview:
How did you enter the film industry?
My sister was doing a fashion designing course and I used to be the model for her design, I was heading towards a modelling career but once there was a talent hunt at “Karavali college” and without my knowledge my sister and my mother sent my photographs. Fortunately I won the contest and got a call for the audition. Thus I made my foray into sandalwood through “Ondu Preethiya Kathe”
How was your experience during your very first audition?
I was not very fluent in Kannada when I went for the audition of “Ondu Preethiya Kathe.” I gave my audition in Hindi. But my acting skill impressed the director, so much so that my language barrier really did not matter.
What according to you is the basic requirement to become an actress?
Confidence is the most important quality for becoming an actress, irrespective of the role and she has to render full justice to the role.
Tell us about your up-coming projects?
I have three movies in hands at present. In the film “Kwatle” in which I am paired up with Partha and I play a slum girl. Then there is “Sadagara” in which I have a glamorous role, and the third movie is ‘Ulidavaru Kandante.’All three movies are slated to be released this year.
With new competitors walking into the industry, what is your strategy to be in the lime light?
I believe in delivering fine work, selecting good scripts and being recognized in whichever movie I do. Apart from these I do not have any other strategy.
Will you be ready to work in other language film if you get opportunities?
Any industry is fine with me as far as I get a role that brings out the best in me. I have got offers for Tamil movies earlier and if the subject is good I’ll definitely go ahead.
On what grounds do you accept films?
I choose movies solely based on the script.
What kind of roles do you like to play?
As I have done a lot of emotional roles, for a change I would prefer to do some glamorous roles.
How do you balance the expectations of the industry and your fans?
The industry always expects good performance. Fans have appreciated my work even in movies with a social cause, though I have not done much of a glamorous role.
Tell me something about your nature?
Nature wise I am very talkative and straightforward, but at times I am sensitive, when I am by myself. I am also compassionate towards poor people.
How will you react when your film gets hit or flops?
I do not expect anything from the movie, I have faith in the work I deliver and I try to put my best effort into the movie.
Which are the happiest as well as the saddest moments that you have experienced in your Professional life?
The happiest moment of my life is when I got the South Filmfare award, and also when my work in the movie “Eddelu Manjunatha” was appreciated. I was truly touched when I was complimented by Jaggesh Sir and many others soon after the premier of the show. As far as sad moments are concerned, I don’t get sad so easily.
What is your goal or aim in life?
My only aim in life is to make good movies and to deliver excellent performance.
What do you do in your leisure time?
I like to read, travel and also spend time with my family.
Do you have any favorite male co-star in Kannada cine industry?
I am ok with any person even if he is a newcomer. What ultimately matters is the quality of work put in by him.
What is your opinion about the people of Mangalore?
Mangaloreans are very warm and loving. May be it’s because I am a Mangalorean that I have a special attachment towards Mangalore and my fans here.
