A makeover for Yogi, and a lead debut for Sonia

Jinke Mari, the Kannada song that continues to remain popular even among non-Kannada-speaking Bangaloreans, makes a comeback this Friday in the form of a film. Starring Yogesh (known as Yogi), who appeared in the song years ago, the film also marks a solo lead debut for TV anchor-turned-actress Sonia Gowda.
Producer Mahesh Balekundri says Yogi will be seen in a never-seen-before avatar.“Yogi has previously played slum dweller or a violent rowdy. In Jinke Mari, he has worked out a brand new image for himself — one of warmth and love as he attempts to bring two big fighting political families back together,” explains Mahesh.
The film is a remake of the Telugu hit Bindaas. “This is my debut as a lead heroine in the Kannada film industry. The film is centered on Yogi’s character, and how he brings two families together. I play his love interest,” says Sonia, who earlier did a cameo in Rana. Of her experience on the set, Sonia recalls, “Experienced actresses in the industry advised me to just ‘do your work and not talk to anybody else’. I did just that, but found it difficult to act with a person I had not even spoken to. It was Yogi who initiated conversation, and I found him to be passionate about his work. His child-like approach to everything new is almost contagious. As for the industry, any place will be only what you allow it to be.”
The film also sees producer Mahesh realizing his “childhood dream of becoming an actor”. He says, “My passion for films has driven me this far. I play the role of a cop and appear in an item number along with Suman Ranganathan. I am 49, but it is never too late to make any sort of beginning. I’ve also turned playback singer with this film. My presence has been non-intrusive and the audience will see that it only ups the bar of creativity.”