Tanya Hope: Upendra was my first co-star in Kannada

While Tanya Hope became popular as the Basanni girl after her role in the Darshan-starrer Yajamana, the actor’s first footsteps in Sandalwood was with Home Minister. Ahead of the film’s release on April 1, Tanya shared her experience working in the Upendra-starrer. “It was the first time I was shooting properly in Karnataka, and speaking in my language,” says Tanya, adding, “Though the film is releasing after a long delay, I’ll always remember Home Minister as my Kannada debut.”

Tanya shares that despite being a newcomer, she never saw Upendra as a stranger as his works and his legendary status made him a household name. “As a kid, I would sing and dance to one of The MTV song, which was one of my favourite tracks from an Upendra film. I’ll always be grateful to Home Minister because it was a still from that film that lead me to Yajamana,” she says.

Tanya says that just like all of Uppi’s films, Home Minister will also have a unique subject. “It is about a working woman, and the man who takes responsibility of the household. I thought it was a good concept. We need to see some new things, and only Uppi Sir can bring out such characters that are palatable for the audience. Also, I was happy to work with Uppi. Who would not want to work with such a star?” she asks.

Reminiscing about working for Home Minister, Tanya says, “I remember being very nervous on the sets. I would look at him, and I would forget the lines. Uppi then spoke to me and said that we are all actors who are making a film. He made it so comfortable for a newcomer like me. I found Uppi sir to be a star without an attitude.”

Meanwhile, Tanya is waiting to begin shooting for Jayathirta’s Bell Bottom 2, which will go on floors in a month or two. She has also completed shooting for Golmaal, a Tamil film starring Jiiva among others, and is gearing up to join the shooting of actor Santhanam’s next in Thailand.