In his debut directorial, Khushi Khushiyaagi, Yogi C Raj introduced Telugu actress Nandini Rai to Sandalwood audiences. In his follow-up film, Bangaara' S/o Bangaarada Manushya ' which has Century Star Shivarajkumar in the lead and is slated to go on floors by mid-March ' the filmmaker brings Malayalam-Tamil actress Vidya Pradeep to Kannada cinema. Best known for her roles in Saivam and Pasanga 2, Vidya was chosen 'because she fits the role,' says Yogi.
'We were scouting for local talent, as we needed someone who could effectively carry off a westernized as well as Indian look. When we couldn't find the right fit, we looked around and came across Vidya's work in some of her Tamil films. She will be perfect for the role. Shooting for the film starts in mid-March, by which time she should join the unit,' says Yogi, adding that the team will head for a 20-25 day schedule to Italy once Shivarajkumar returns from a trip to London.