Kannada film director Indrajit Lankesh, who is planning to debut his son Samarjit Lankesh as a lead actor in the movie Gowri, shares insights on the decision to cast his son, the challenges it presented, and the lessons learned from the experience. Here are the key points discussed:

- The idea of working with Samarjit was not initially part of the plan. The director wanted his son to carve out his own niche in the industry, and Samarjit had been actively preparing for that. Having trained in theatre, studied acting in New York, and gained experience as an assistant director in Kannada films, Samarjit had been honing his skills independently. However, when the opportunity arose and a suitable script was in place, Indrajit felt that Samarjit was ready for the role and fit the character well. A formal audition and screen test were conducted before finalizing his casting.

- Indrajit acknowledges that being a star kid comes with certain advantages, such as inheriting a built-in fan base established by celebrity parents. However, this also brings its own set of challenges, as star kids often face pressure to step out of their parents' shadows and establish their own identities in the industry. Indrajit reflects on his own experiences, having been compared to his illustrious father P Lankesh. He emphasizes the importance of charting one's unique path and finding success on one's own terms, rather than trying to emulate or surpass parental achievements. As of now, I am not an actor, so my son Samarjit does not have a fan base to rely on. As a director and journalist, I have faced controversies and backlash for my bold statements. Samarjit's challenge is to distance himself from this reputation and begin anew. Samajrit's training in theatre has influenced his approach to acting on screen, leading to creative differences with me and my team. He is focused on realism and intricacies in character portrayal, which I have learned from. Samarjit's passion lies in acting, not fame or glamour. His intense presence off-camera transforms when filming starts. While I am more nervous than Samarjit before the film release, I am confident that this project showcases my best work to date and introduces new talents, like my son.In the film industry, the director and producer are in the spotlight, but being an actor offers a promising position. Demonstrating your talent and consistently proving yourself as a skilled actor ensures a steady stream of opportunities in the industry, making it an ideal place to be.