Kabir Bedi reveals it was because of Karnad he became a film actor

S Shyam Prasad | NT

Bengaluru: Veteran actor Kabir Bedi, who recently made his Kannada debut with the action film Hunter is following up with another film. The new film Kari Haida Kari Ajja is based on the folk deity Koragajja.  Koragajja is a popular folk deity in the coastal districts of Karnataka, similar to the Panjurli deity featured in the recent blockbuster Kantara.

Bedi plays the antagonist in the film, but says he is happy to be part of it. He has promised to dub the role in Kannada himself. Kabir Bedi plays a king in this period film. The new film is also directed by Sudhir Attavar and produced by Trivikram Sapalya.

Speaking about his films in Kannada, Bedi said, “I have an old connection with Kannadigas. What brought me into the film industry was Girish Karnad’s English version of his play Thuglaq. It was an extraordinary success in Mumbai, and filmmakers started offering me roles. So I became a professional actor because of Karnad. So, I have much to thank the Kannada world for.”

About his role in the Kari Ajja, Bedi said, “We had some fantastic shooting in Mangaluru. There were lots of spectacular scenes shot in wonderful locations. I was happy with the role, even though it is the villain (I play). He is an impressive figure. I had some very powerful lines to say. I spoke in Kannada. I will dub it myself in Kannada because this film requires that. It is the story of a young Adivasi boy who came to be worshipped as a god in the entire region. At a time when India has appointed its first Adivasi president, it is befitting that a film about an Adivasi god is being made. It is an Adivasi god that is worshipped by all Hindu communities in the whole Mangaluru region.” Bedi says it is a very important story.

“It is a very special character with a very wonderful story. It is a story from mythology. We as a culture, are defined by our mythological stories. These stories are a very important part of our culture. We need to make films about them. There is no restriction on the depiction of gods in Hinduism as long as it is done respectfully. This film is a great homage to this great Adivasi god. The story and this film sends a very important message about respect for Adivasi communities in the wider context of India.”  

Apart from Kabir Bedi, the film has Bhavya, Shruti and Bharat Surya playing the title role. The film is set in the 12th Century.