One more talent hailing from the state’s coastal area Kundapura, has become a TV star. He was drawn to acting since his childhood days and has interests in theatre. Brought up in Bengaluru, Deekshith Shetty, who is currently pursuing his fourth year in LLB from Bangalore University, is enjoying the fame of being small screen’s Arjun in Zee Kannada’s Nagini serial. The actor, who is a product of ‘an Actor prepares’ (aAp), an acting and performing institute run by state and tele-serial actress Usha Bhandari and actor-director Ravi Teja, speaks with Bengaluru Chronicle on why he chose acting, and much more.
“After my first two serials, wherein I was part of a supporting cast, I got through the auditions for the lead role in Nagini. In fact, I took up acting for financial reasons, as I had to support my family. Though I was always inclined towards acting, from childhood through school plays, my desire to become a cricketer kept me away for a while. But I had to take up acting due to financial issues,” says Deekshith Shetty.
With this goal in mind, he joined the acting course at ‘an Actor prepares’. Thereafter, all I have been doing, is to better myself as an actor. Usha Bhandari madam has been a constant support in shaping my career so far. She still watches all my work, and helps me correct my skills," Deekshith says, adding that he is also pursuing his LLB degree alongside his small screen acts.
In this serial which has crossed more than 300 episodes so far, Deekshith portrays the male lead of Arjun, whose character revolves around Nagini, a reincarnation of a snake woman who has come to seek revenge. “It feels nice when audiences recognise me for my character. I am just hoping to work hard and looking forward to good opportunities in films, which is the dream of any actor. Though it’s tough to manage both work and studies apart from taking care of my family, I am quite enjoying doing so,” Deekshith adds.
With strong determination to excel, Deekshith does nothing but rehearse most of the time. He also works out at a gym and practices dance in his spare time. “These are basics for being an actor. However, I do love riding and sometimes take a day off and head solo on my bike for a break,” he signs off.
