Rishab Shetty's Heartfelt Tributes to Puneeth Rajkumar and Mohanlal
Rishab Shetty, the acclaimed actor and filmmaker behind the blockbuster 'Kantara', has always commanded a dedicated fanbase, but he himself holds deep admiration for certain icons within the Indian film industry. In a revealing press conference held in Kerala earlier this year, Shetty opened up about his cinematic inspirations and shared poignant behind-the-scenes stories that shed new light on his creative journey.
Emotional Connection with Malayalam Superstar Mohanlal
During the event, Rishab Shetty expressed profound emotional admiration for Malayalam cinema legend Mohanlal. "I am a huge fan of Mohanlal," Shetty stated with visible emotion. "Whenever I see Lalettan, I feel he is like one of our own. He feels like a relative to me. There is a strong emotional bond between us."
Shetty elaborated further, explaining how Mohanlal's presence transcends mere fandom. "My all-time favourite actor in Kannada cinema is Dr. Rajkumar, but when I watch Lalettan in Malayalam films, I feel a sense of pride, as if he is from my own place," he revealed. The actor even recalled taking immediate action when Mohanlal received a recent award. "I immediately shared a post on social media through my team congratulating him after hearing the news of the award."
The connection between the two artists extends beyond professional admiration. Shetty fondly remembered a personal encounter: "I once met Lalettan at Kollur Mookambika temple and have shared the photograph taken at that moment." This meeting further solidified what Shetty describes as a familial bond with the Malayalam superstar.
Puneeth Rajkumar: The Original Choice for Kantara's Lead Role
In a fascinating revelation that has resurfaced, Rishab Shetty disclosed that the late Puneeth Rajkumar was initially considered for the pivotal role of Shiva in 'Kantara'. Shetty had previously discussed this in an interview with Masth Cinema YouTube channel, where he explained his original vision for the project.
"I first wanted to play the character myself," Shetty admitted. "But I later realised that Puneeth could enhance the scale and vision of the project. I felt besides me, Appu sir will fit the role beautifully. Especially in the scenes of the buffalo race."
However, Shetty had one crucial requirement for Puneeth Rajkumar taking on the role. "I was particular about one thing. I wanted Appu sir to master the coastal Karnataka dialect," he explained. "I was wondering whether he will allot so much time at such short notice."
Why the Collaboration Ultimately Didn't Materialize
At the time of the offer, Puneeth Rajkumar was committed to several other projects, including Hombale Films' 'Dvitva'. Despite his packed schedule, Puneeth showed genuine excitement about 'Kantara' when producer Vijay Kiragandur approached him. He was willing to prepare for the dialect, but the practical constraints proved insurmountable.
Rishab Shetty detailed how circumstances changed rapidly. "It all happened in a blink of an eye. Soon after I narrated the story to him, he got very excited about the project. He wanted to explore different stories. But his other projects continued to keep him away from Kantara."
The decisive moment came when Puneeth Rajkumar himself made the difficult call. "One day, he called me and asked me to go ahead with the film without him," Shetty recalled. "He told me that if I waited for him, I may not be able to do the film that year."
Despite not collaborating on the film, the mutual respect between the two artists remained strong. Shetty later met Puneeth during an event for 'Bajarangi 2' after completing Kantara's first schedule. "He enquired about the project and asked me not to compromise on my vision for the film," Shetty remembered. "I showed him a few still pictures from the shoot. He was very happy for me. And he told me he was eager to watch the film."
A Tragic Loss and Lasting Legacy
On October 29, Puneeth Rajkumar passed away due to cardiac arrest, sending shockwaves through the Indian film industry. The loss was particularly poignant for those who had worked with or admired him. In recognition of his immense contribution to Kannada cinema, the Karnataka government posthumously conferred the Karnataka Ratna award on Puneeth Rajkumar during Kannada Rajyotsava celebrations.
The award ceremony in Bengaluru was attended by numerous film industry luminaries, including superstars Rajinikanth and Jr NTR, highlighting the widespread respect and admiration Puneeth Rajkumar commanded across regional cinema boundaries.
Rishab Shetty's revelations provide a touching glimpse into the interconnected relationships within India's vibrant film industry, where professional collaborations are often underpinned by genuine personal connections and mutual artistic respect. The story of what might have been with Puneeth Rajkumar in 'Kantara' adds another layer to the film's already rich narrative, while Shetty's emotional bond with Mohanlal demonstrates how regional cinema stars can inspire across linguistic and cultural boundaries.
