Stepping into Kannada cinema as a lead actor is a dream come true for any newcomer, but for Dhyan Yogeeshwara, the journey has begun on an unusually grand stage, courtesy of being the son of politician C P Yogeeshwara and Sheela. Dhyan is making his debut with two films, Karnatabalam directed by Naganna and Sainika 2, to be helmed by Puneeth Rudranag but he insists the opportunity comes with responsibility rather than entitlement.
"I'm grateful to my parents for believing in me and giving me this opportunity," says the 22-year-old, adding, "I've trained extensively for acting and continue to learn every day from directors Naganna sir and Puneeth Rudranag sir. I hope audiences accept and encourage me as I begin this journey."
While his launch may have come with a red carpet welcome, Dhyan believes the real work begins behind the scenes. "Discipline is everything," he says.
His preparation started long before the cameras rolled. While pursuing his undergraduate studies in the UK, he attended acting classes and trained in gymnastics. "I was there for my studies, but I didn't want to waste that time. I used every opportunity to prepare myself," he says.
His relationship with cinema has also evolved over the years. "Before deciding to become an actor, I mostly enjoyed action and comedy films. Once I knew this was what I wanted to do, I started watching all kinds of films, not just for entertainment, but to observe performances and learn from different actors."
Dhyan says it was his passion for cinema that brought him here.
"I wasn't even born when my father was acting in films. I was born in 2003. But I've loved cinema since childhood. I took part in school and college plays, and acting always came naturally to me. Nobody pushed me into it," says the young actor, who adds that he has no political aspirations at present.
"Politics comes with immense responsibility and stress, and I've seen that closely. Right now, I love movies, fitness and dancing. Cinema is where I can express myself. Maybe I'm too young to think that far ahead, but for the foreseeable future, I want to be an actor," says Dhyan.
Dhyan begins shooting with Naganna's Karnatabalam, where he shares screen space with C P Yogeeshwara for the first time.
"We've always had a very traditional father-son relationship. Neither of us expresses much. I was in boarding school from Class 4 to 12, so we rarely had the chance to really know each other. Through this film, we're discovering each other not just as actors, but as father and son. Cinema, as a platform, is actually benefitting my relationship with my father."
