‘I’m grateful to start my career under Prem’s direction’

Director Prem has kept his word and has brought on board a Kannada heroine for his upcoming film, Ek Love Ya. The film, which marks the launch of Rakshitha’s brother, Raanna, will also be the first film for Reeshma Nanaiah.

Reeshma Nanaiah says she feels lucky to start her career with Prem’s directorial. The 18-year-old girl from Coorg, who is joining the sets tomorrow, calls this opportunity a "dream-come-true" for her, since she has wanted to become an actor since childhood.

She got a message from the director on April Fool’s Day after she won a fashion contest, Reeshma recalls. “Initially, I thought it was a message from one of my friends who was trying to fool me. But my mother pushed me to respond, and I then learnt that it was a message from the director, who wanted me to attend the audition. The very next day, my film journey started,” says the debutante, adding, “I was always interested in acting. Prem sir is my first teacher.”

The youngster, who is pursuing her II PUC at Jyothi Nivas, wants to balance her academics with her film career. “This is the best opportunity that any youngster can get. Even my college authorities have happily given me permission,” she says.

Reeshma has undergone training for almost three weeks, and this, she says, has helped her overcome the initial nervousness. “The short-term training before facing the arc lights will help me a lot. Prem sir also asked me to visit the sets, so I can get comfortable with the atmosphere. He tells me that I have to observe what is happening on the film set, and that has been building my confidence.”

“I also had a conversation with Rakshita ma’am, and I have drawn inspiration from her as well,” she says, going on to add that she has been a fan of Prem’s films from when she was two years old. “I first danced to the song, Chukubuku railu, from his directorial, Jogi, and I have kept a photo of it as a memory. We used to practise to some of the popular songs from his films. The last movie of his that I watched was The Villain.”

Reeshma stresses that Ek Love Ya is going to be a beautiful love story, and adds, “I am all excited to start my journey in films.”

Made under the Rakshitha Film Factory banner, and also starring Rachita Ram, Ek Love Ya has music by Arjun Janya and cinematography by Mahendra Simha.