Kannada film director Indrajit Lankesh discusses the decision to cast his son, Samarjit Lankesh, as the lead actor in his upcoming film "Gowri" and the challenges they faced. Initially, it was not planned to work together, as Indrajit wanted Samarjit to establish his own identity. Samarjit had received training in theatre and acting in New York, and also worked as an assistant director on Kannada films. However, when a suitable script emerged, Indrajit felt Samarjit was ready for the role after considering him through auditions and screen tests.

Addressing the topic of nepotism, Indrajit mentions that having a film background can sometimes be more of a hindrance than an advantage for Samarjit, as he is inevitably compared to his well-known parents. Indrajit believes that star kids must overcome this challenge, build their own identity, and strive to shine independently. He reflects on his own experience of being compared to his renowned father, P Lankesh, acknowledging the difficulty of matching his father's achievements in writing, directing, and journalism. He emphasizes the importance of forging one's unique path and pursuing interests that align with personal creativity and passion.Currently, as a director and journalist, I have been involved in several controversies and faced repercussions for making bold statements. Samarjit, my son, faces the challenge of distancing himself from this past and starting anew with a clean slate. Despite having creative differences with Samarjit during the filmmaking process due to his focus on character intricacies learned from his theatre background, working with him has been a learning experience for me. Samarjit's dedication to his craft as an actor, without a desire for fame or glamour, is admirable. I feel more nervous than him as we approach the film release, as it presents my largest challenge yet. Introducing my son as an actor is a significant moment for me, but I am confident in the quality of the story and believe it to be my best work to date.In the film industry, the spotlight is usually on the director and producer. However, being an actor provides a valuable position. If you have confidence in your abilities, consistently deliver strong performances, and establish yourself as a talented actor, you will have job opportunities available to you. This is considered the ideal situation to be in.