Actor Suraj Gowda doesn't believe in settling down for anything average. He is working towards not just being a star but a superstar.
At a time when the sons and daughters of producers and directors are getting a good break in the Kannada film industry, the young actor literally worked his way up to finding a space of his own.
He has portrayed his versatility in 'Maduveya Mamatheya Kareyole' made under the Thoogudeepa banner and will soon prove his acting prowess with the role of a psychopath in the yet-to-be released 'Kahi'. In an interview with Nina C George, Suraj talks about what has brought him so far.
Tell us about your role in 'Kahi'?
I play the role of an alcoholic and a psychopath. There were very specific emotions that had to be portrayed in the character which I found challenging but extremely interesting as well. Portraying a loud character is more difficult than playing out a subtle one. Working in 'Kahi' gave me a lot of confidence because it tried and tested my skills as an actor.
Which film gave you a big break?
Working in 'Maduveya Mamatheya Kareyole' changed my life in many ways. In fact, it is Dinakar Thoogudeepa who launched me in a big way and gave me a proper understanding of what comprises acting and what goes on behind the camera. He gave me constructive feedback which helped me improve my performance.
What are you working on now?
I am working on the last schedule of 'Pradesha Samachara' which is a love story.
Your next project?
My next movie will be a game changer because people will see me in a completely different avatar. I want to go beyond playing just lover boy roles. There are still a lot of love stories coming my way but I hope that will change after my next project.
On working in other languages...
I have been getting offers from other industries but I want to first make it big in the Kannada film industry before I move on.
What guides you?
I've learnt that being humble takes one a long way. It doesn't pay to be arrogant and brash. The recognition that actors get is only because of the work they do and that recognition is a short-lived one.
You set out to be an engineer. What changed that?
There was a time when I had to decide between choosing a career in the software industry and settling down for a desk job or following my dream to become an actor. My mother gave me the confidence and asked me to follow my heart. I haven't looked back since then. It is consistency in thought and action that has brought me so far.
Your criteria for choosing a project...
I always go by my gut feeling and don't seek too many opinions. I want to be solely
responsible for the decisions I make
Your journey so far...
It's been a wonderful journey because I believe that it is only my hard work, dedication and commitment that has seen me through good and bad times. I never believed in working in television or winning a reality show to be an actor. I began acting straight away without any prior experience or exposure in the field.

Actor Suraj Gowda doesn’t believe in settling down for anything average. He is working towards not just being a star but a superstar.
At a time when the sons and daughters of producers and directors are getting a good break in the Kannada film industry, the young actor literally worked his way up to finding a space of his own.
He has portrayed his versatility in 'Maduveya Mamatheya Kareyole’ made under the Thoogudeepa banner and will soon prove his acting prowess with the role of a psychopath in the yet-to-be released 'Kahi’. In an interview with Nina C George, Suraj talks about what has brought him so far.
Tell us about your role in 'Kahi’?
I play the role of an alcoholic and a psychopath. There were very specific emotions that had to be portrayed in the character which I found challenging but extremely interesting as well. Portraying a loud character is more difficult than playing out a subtle one. Working in 'Kahi’ gave me a lot of confidence because it tried and tested my skills as an actor.
Which film gave you a big break?
Working in 'Maduveya Mamatheya Kareyole’ changed my life in many ways. In fact, it is Dinakar Thoogudeepa who launched me in a big way and gave me a proper understanding of what comprises acting and what goes on behind the camera. He gave me constructive feedback which helped me improve my performance.
What are you working on now?
I am working on the last schedule of 'Pradesha Samachara’ which is a love story.
Your next project?
My next movie will be a game changer because people will see me in a completely different avatar. I want to go beyond playing just lover boy roles. There are still a lot of love stories coming my way but I hope that will change after my next project.
On working in other languages...
I have been getting offers from other industries but I want to first make it big in the Kannada film industry before I move on.
What guides you?
I’ve learnt that being humble takes one a long way. It doesn’t pay to be arrogant and brash. The recognition that actors get is only because of the work they do and that recognition is a short-lived one.
You set out to be an engineer. What changed that?
There was a time when I had to decide between choosing a career in the software industry and settling down for a desk job or following my dream to become an actor. My mother gave me the confidence and asked me to follow my heart. I haven’t looked back since then. It is consistency in thought and action that has brought me so far.
Your criteria for choosing a project...
I always go by my gut feeling and don’t seek too many opinions. I want to be solely
responsible for the decisions I make
Your journey so far...
It’s been a wonderful journey because I believe that it is only my hard work, dedication and commitment that has seen me through good and bad times. I never believed in working in television or winning a reality show to be an actor. I began acting straight away without any prior experience or exposure in the field.