‘Glad young directors are crafting youthful roles for me’

When it comes to cinema, Ravi Shankar’s talent knows no bounds. Though he has been stamped as a villain in the industry, this does not stop him from taking on varied roles. In the upcoming bilingual Rajaratha, made in Kannada and Telugu, the actor will be seen in a completely different light. Directed by Anup Bhandari, the film is about a bus journey. 

About his role in Rajaratha, Ravi says, “In this travel story, I am one among many passengers. Anup’s neatly crafted role has me looking different with a wig, glasses and checked blazer. I’m glad that the present bunch of young directors are making it possible to create youthful characters for me too.”

The actor also lent his voice for a song in Rajaratha. Gandaka Bandaka, with lyrics that are like life lessons, is written by Anup Bhandari, who has scored the music and has also sung the cover version. 

Ravi has a long list of films in the pipeline. While he waits for the release of Rajaratha, which has him sharing screen space with Nirup Bhandari, Avantika Shetty and Arya, the actor is dubbing for Kuruksehtra. He is all set to be part of Darshan-starrer Yajamana, and he will be associating with Puneeth Rajkumar in Natasaarvabhouma as well. Ravi is also working in Dhruva Sarja’s Pogaru and Sudeep’s Kottigobba 3. 

“I consider myself lucky, for I have the best of both of worlds. I get to work with newcomers and established stars and filmmakers,” he signs off.