Theatre make you a better actor

A student of final year BA in Journalism at Mahajana College in Mysore, Disha Ramesh has always been associated with theatre. Her father, Mandya Ramesh, is well-known to film lovers across the state owing to some unforgettable roles he has played in Kannada cinema. This apart, Ramesh has set up Natana, a theatre troupe that is now 14-years-old, and has been staging performances through his troupe round the year across the country.Disha's mother Saroja is an active member of Rangayana, a theatre repertoire set up by theatre doyen BV Karanth.
Disha recently debuted in films through B Suresha's Devara Nadalli - a political satire based on a real story. In a chat with Mirror, Disha talks about her future in the industry.
Do you think it was easier to bag a film role because your father is a popular actor? There is no question of using my father's popularity to enter the film industry. His popularity and my role don't have any connection. I know Suresh and my father are very close but Suresh called me only after seeing my acting skills in my theatre activities. Till the final call from the director, my father knew nothing about the matter. So, it's fair to say I landed the role on the basis of my own talent and I am happy for not having to use my father's fame.
Your experience in theatre must have helped a great deal while facing the camera for the film... Yes, it's really helpful for newcomers like me. In my life, my father's Natana thought me the acting skills from a very basic level and it has helped me while facing the camera. In this movie, many other actors are also from theatre background and they say that working for film isn't all that different. It's easier for us to showcase the skills we have learnt in theatre. In my case, the theatre experience has worked very well and I am happy for that.
Was the move to films planned? My plan was to continue doing theatre, like my parents had done. Also, in many films, my father played negative roles and when he got punished by the hero, it was very difficult for me to digest as a kid. I had stopped watching films because of this reason, until one day my mother explained how films work. So, no, it was not a planned move to enter films. I got a chance to do this film mainly because Suresh saw my work in theatre and he really liked it.
How was your experience in your first film? Honestly, it was a very good experience for me, and each and every member in the film's team was very supportive. I am really blessed to work with great personalities like Suresh and Prakash Raj and also with my father. In fact, till this day, I have not acted in a single drama with my father. But now I am happy to work with him on the big screen. It was a wonderful experience and I learnt a lot from the people I worked with. I know for sure that this experience will help me immensely in the future.