'SHANKER' DAADA 
Spruced Up 'Gandhada Gudi '

Interview - CNB           Photos - K.M. Veeresh            Date - 26th May 2006

Veteran of Kannada cinema M.P.Shanker is having every reason to smile. He has spruced up his 33 years old evergreen Kannada cinema 'Gandhada Gudi' starring Dr.Rajkumar, Kalpana, Vishnuvardhana, Balakrishna, Narasimharaju and himself in lead role and released it in Kalpana theatre in Bangalore on Friday.

"I have spent Rs.15 lakhs for making of the whole film and today I am spending one third of that expenses on publicity and print" explained the veteran speaking to this correspondent on the sets of 'Kallarali Hoovagi' at Kanteera Studios in Bangalore.

Here is a quick chat with Shanker Daada:

How is your health sir?
I keeping fine because I live in the forest region for 15 days. I go to Kabini resort and stay there looking at the forest and animals. I have a friend who has constructed a resort there.

How is your eating habits now?
I was eating very good food in those days. As the age is catching up I am restricting myself. Once it happened like this - in the Highland hotels the food bill was increasing in my name. One day I wondered why so much bill is coming when I have not eaten anything. A few persons created costly pranks with my habit of eating. then I realised that I am making a mistake by believing someone. Then I started signing my orders before it used to get billed.

Do you agree with the statement that Mysore is the best place for film city?
I have been telling since decades. it has some of the exotic locations. there is no need to erect sets. But you know the creamy people are staying in Bangalore and they pressurise on Bangalore getting the film city.

What is your role in 'Kallarali Hoovagi'?
I play Dodda Madakari Nayaka. When Nagabharana called me up and said I have to play a role I was surprised. I told my health problem and he said he wants only me. He told that he will adjust to my health condition while shooting. I told him to give me dialogue sheets. I was not able to get the book of 'Kallarali Hoovagi' as it is out of stock in Bangalore and Mysore. Anyhow I have liked my get up in this film.
In Chitradurga I was carried to the hill top like devotees are carried for Sri Ayyappa Swamy darshan in a 'Doli'. Director Nagabharana has taken good care of costumes. The people of Chitradurga felt very happy.

Your memories must have gone to the days of 'Nagarahavu'?
It was almost 33 years ago I shot for this film. I still remember the scenes shot there by Puttannaji.

You are an animal lover. Animal protection is ok in India?
No. The protection of animals is not OK in India. If the situation of killing tigers go on like this we will be left with no tigers soon. I read an article recently that every part of tiger is sold for very high prices. There are more Veerappans outside leading aristocratic life at the cost of forest wealth.