In the 12th edition of Bengaluru International Film Festival Kannada, actor Yash, popularly known as Rocking Star, urged Chief Minister B S Yediyurappa to build a studio to train youths in Karnataka.
CM Yediyurappa dreams golden age return
CM Yediyurappa being the chief guest of the event, while inaugurating the 12th edition of the Bengaluru International Film Festival in the city on Wednesday said that the number of films being delivered in Kannada has grown rapidly. Over 400 films were produced this year and according to him, there is hope that there will be an improvement in its quality day by day.
He also talked about the golden age of Kannada cinema and the importance of the 1970s. “It was a time when legendary film-maker Satyajit Ray said he saw the future of Indian cinema in Kannada. I hope that the golden age returns to Kannada cinema,” CM Yediyurappa said.
Yash’s demand
Actor Yash, who was a guest of honor at the event, pitched in an idea for the Chief Minister to get the industry a film city in Bengaluru. He also requests B S Yediyurappa to create a tax-free studio.
“We are now required to go to other cities to work on our films. There is extraordinary talent here, but it needs to be strengthened and supported. The city, today, is known for its quality of talent in software development because parents see it as a career of good possibilities and there is an ecosystem for education in the field,” Yash said.
“A film city has been in the talks for decades now. Please arrange for us a film city and a film institute of world standard and we will guarantee you the golden age of Kannada cinema will be back,” he said.
Sunil Puranik, chairperson, Karnataka Chalanachitra Academy, organizer of the event, also requested Mr. Yediyurappa to leave something for the film industry ahead of the State Budget.
“There is a need to establish an archive for Kannada films apart from film museums at major tourist attractions in the State. Several film technicians and workers are suffering from no income to fall back on in their old age. I request the CM to institute a pension scheme for the industry,” he said.
Other popular faces
Other popular faces like Jayaprada, singer Sonu Nigam, producer Boney Kapoor, and actress Aditi Prabhudeva also attended the event.
While being a guest of honor Jayaprada said, “I love Kannada as a language, its films, and Kannadigas. I cannot forget the affection showed to me by Dr. Rajkumar, Vishnuvardhan and Ambareesh. The lovely city of Bengaluru also holds a special place in my heart.”
Sonu Nigam who has sung most of Kannada songs said he must have been a Kannadiga in his past birth. He revealed that he sang more high-grade songs in Kannada than in Hindi.
