Beyond The Clouds’ Kannada connection

The recently released Hindi film Beyond The Clouds has a Kannada connection. The film directed by Iranian filmmaker Majid Majidi, featuring Ishan Khattar and Malavika Mohanan, also has a child artiste Dhwani Rajesh, who is from Karnataka.

Daughter of well-known actor Rajesh Nataranga, Dhwani’s Bollywood entry was merely accidental. Dhwani, who is 11-years-old and just starting her seventh standard, shares her excitement with us about her tinsel town entry. “Acting was something, which never crossed my mind. Even if somebody asks me today what I dream to become in future, I would say a fashion designer. But, when my father asked me whether I was interested in acting in a film, I instantly said yes, without even thinking which film I would be part of,” she says.

Her debut happened to be in Bollywood with an international film director. “It was a fresh expereince. Intially, I had a tough time, but as the shoot progressed, everything fell in place,” says Dhwani, who plays the role of a girl from the slums in the film.

The child artiste shares screen space with Ishan Khattar and senior actor GV Sharada. “The whole set was so cordial that I feel bad that the project got over so soon. I always had a curiosity to know how it would turn out. I was happy after I watched the film,” says Dhwani who wants the the film to run successfully for many days.

Is Dhwani ready to take more projects? “I have not thought about it. Appa kelbeku (I should ask my father),” she signs off.

Rajesh Nataranga on her daugher’s debut

Rajesh says he never expected his daughter to get into acting. “It was actor Sundarashree, who mentioned this project to me and asked if I'd be willing to allow my daugther to act. She also mentioned that it was a Bollywood film directed by a well-known director.” He adds that Dhwani had received several opportunities to act in serials, but he was not too keen on it.

“When I asked her if she is interested to act in the film, she instantly yes. It was Majid Majidi who chose Dhwani as he thought she was the perfect fit. I was busy with my work here and only met him a few times. It was my wife who accompanied Dhwani throughout the schedule of the film. I am glad, that my daughter has made it on her own. I still leave it to her choice about what she wants to be in the future,” says Rajesh.