Sanjay Dutt in Sandalwood?

Bollywood actor Sanjay Dutt’s interest in the South Indian film industry seems to be increasing with each passing day. Just a few days after signing the remake of Tamil film Saamy, news floated in that Sanju baba may be playing a baddie in a Tamil film starring Rajinikanth. But the latest buzz is that he has now been approached by Prasad, a well known Kannada film producer to do a guest role in his project Chakravarthy.

It was the actor’s phenomenal performance in Agneepath that left the Chakravarthy team impressed we hear.

“We are in talks with his manager. He is currently in Malaysia and on his return we will be getting a clearer picture. We are very keen on casting Sanjay and will try our best to bring him to Kannada films,” says Chintan, who is directing the film. The role Sanju will be essaying, in case he agrees to do the film, is that of a don. “His portion will be shot in Dubai. Though it will be a small role, it will leave a considerable impact,” says Chintan.

The film, which concerns itself with the underworld, stars Duniya Vijay in the lead. Priyamani may be roped into to play his love interest.

Says Vijay, “I will start shooting for the film in August. I am getting into shape for this role by exercising thrice a day. I am looking forward to this project and Sanjay Dutt’s participation will only add to my excitement.”

Sandalwood calling
If Sanjay does give the green signal, he will join the long list of Bollywood actors who have acted in Kannada films. The likes of Amitabh Bachchan have previously obliged by making an appearance in Amruthadhare. Prithviraj Kapoor was seen acting in Sakshatkara, Om Puri in AK 47, Amrish Puri in Kadu and Amol Palekar in Kanneshwara Rama. Anil Kapoor in fact debuted as a lead actor in Pallavi Anu Pallavi. The recent additions to the list are Jackie Shroff, was also seen playing a negative role in Anna Bond and Sonu Sood, who opened his Sandalwood account with Vishnuvardhana. The likes of Ashutosh Rana, Nana Patekar, Atul Kulkarni and Ravi Kale have also made their presence felt in the industry. Suresh Oberoi and Anupam Kher are acting in Kannada films that are currently under production.

Kannada films are not an unknown turf to Hindi film actresses either. From Shabana Azmi (Kanneshwara Rama), Smita Patil (Anveshane), Rekha (Operation Jackpotnalli CID 999), Priya Tendulkar (Minchina Ota) to Deepika Padukone (Aishwarya), Raveena Tandon (Upendra), Sonali Bendre (Preethse),Celina Jaitley (Shreemathi), Shilpa Shetty (Preethsod Thappa, Auto Shankar) and Mallika Sherawat (Preethi Yaake Bhoomi Mel Ide), Kannada films have proved a worthy platform to these and many more leading ladies as well.