Chikkanna is like my brother: Yash

In just about four years, comedian Chikkanna has not only become one of Kannada cinema’s busiest actors, but is also on his landmark 50th film — Masterpiece. The actor, who debuted with the Yash-starrer Kirataka, says that he owes his career in films to the Rocking Star and considers it a privilege to work with him. In a tête-à-tête with BT on the set of their film Masterpiece, the two actors speak about their unique camaraderie.
How did your professional relationship start? Chikkanna: My first film was Kirataka, for which I was referred by Yash. Back then, I knew of him, but he, obviously, did not know me. He had seen me in a skit that I had worked on at the Amrutamahotsava, but we did not speak to each other. Shortly afterwards, I got a call from the team of Kirataka to play one of Yash’s friends in the film and life has never been the same again. Yash: When I saw Chikkanna at the Amrutamahotsava, the first thing that struck me about him was his excellent timing with comedy, which is integral for any actor. I could make out that he is from the Mysuru belt and knew that he would be perfect for the role. Subsequently, he played a character in Jaanu, but I told him never to do such roles again and that I would give him something bigger and better. After that Raja Huli happened, and that propelled him into the big league. The first thing I told him then is that he would now be flooded with lead role offers, but that I would kill him if he did it. We need comedians like Chikanna who can carry scenes on their shoulders. Chikkanna: After Raja Huli, this is our next combination after a gap of a couple of years, so it is exciting to be back together onscreen.
The two of you are quite close offscreen too... Yash: I am very happy to work with him. Chikkanna is like my brother. Over the past four years, he has not only become an integral part of my films, but my family as well. There is nothing that he does not share with me.
Despite his professional success, he has remained down-to-earth and does not have any airs about him. In fact, I think there is a lot of potential in him, we have seen only about 10% and there’s more to come. Chikkanna: I am very close to Yash and we share a bond, but when we come together in front of the camera, I still get butterflies in my stomach. Yash: (laughs) He is a fabulous actor and if he says that I make him nervous it is probably because of the respect he has for me.
Combination in Masterpiece... Yash: Our combination is fun. We both share a good rapport and a higher level of understanding of timing, which will reflect onscreen. It will always be special. People have seen us together lot of times and have liked it. This time we want to present him in a different way. Chikkanna: My character appears throughout the film, as I play Yash’s friend. I call him bhaiyya in real life and in this film also I address him like that. I believe this film will work out well for me, as it is a clean entertainer. As is with all of Yash’s film’s there is no vulgarity, and it will appeal to people of all age groups.