Finally, I have been accepted: Dhyaan

Mumbai, April 15 (IANS) As Dhyaan walks into Bangalore's Kapali theatre, the crowd breaks into frenzied appreciation. Girls scream across the foyer and men smile, as fans rush forward to shake hands with Kannada film's latest star on the block.

Dyaan beams at the crowd who has collected to watch the screening his latest Kannada film "Jootata" in the theatre.

"It feels like my career in Kannada has moved to another level. Finally, I feel like I have been accepted by the people of Karnataka," said the actor who's taken almost three years to become the industry's blue-eyed boy.

"When I started off, a lot of people told me that south Indian industry does not accept heroes from outside. So, I must be really lucky," he said.

Dhyaan is currently shooting for two more Kannada films back-to-back in Bangalore.

He has just wrapped up his second Hindi film "Pal Tham Gaya" with director Hriday Shetty, co-starring Soha Ali Khan and has now been offered a new Kannada film by Indrajit Lankesh that will start shooting in August.

"Before you ask, I enjoyed working with Soha as much as I'm enjoying working with Ramya in my new Kannada film 'Amritdhare'," he grins.

"I had heard stories about Ramya's attitude problem. But I must say, so far things have been very smooth. She is quite a hassle-free person. We have got along very well," he said.

"Since she is from Bangalore she has been taking extra trouble to make me feel at home. I can confidently say that I have made a new friend in Bangalore," he maintained.

His second Kannada film "Jackpot", is a romantic comedy directed by Pravin Naik and Niranjan.

"The same team's earlier film 'Kariya' had been offered to me. But I found the character too rough-and-tough to carry off at the age of 20.

"But 'Jackpot' is great fun. My co-star is a Mangalorian girl Shubha. This is her first Kannada film. I feel like quite a pro in front of her," he chuckles.

As "Jootata" sends audience into peels of laughter, Dhyaan's memories of work in the film are not quite as amusing.

"If only the producers hadn't played dirty with me," he said, his face clouding up momentarily. "The producers of 'Jootata', K.V. Vijaykumar and Hannmuntu, did not stick to their commitment regarding the payment of my fees.

"Their unacceptable behaviour and complete silence in spite of repeated requests to pay my dues, forced me to take the matter to court. I could have complained to the film chamber too but I didn't want to hold the film's release as ransom for my fees.

"I'm hoping the situation will be sorted out soon," he said.

But his face lights up again as he talks about his "Amritdhare" producer Nagathihalli Chandrashekhar.

"He was the producer of my first Kannnada film 'Nanna Preetiya Hudugi'. I was only 19. I can never forget how he took care of me.

"When filmmakers repeat you as an actor its a clear indication of how happy they are with you and your work which is a great boost in itself.

"Chandrshekhar is turning an independent producer with 'Amritdhare'. And I'm glad to be part of this milestone in his career."

So is he happy with his progress report? "That's precisely where I find myself in a dilemma. I'm being offered the moon in Kannada. But I'm also on the verge of signing films with Hindi directors.

"In fact right after I finish 'Amritdhare', I go into my next Hindi film for producer Masood Ali with Tanisha as my co-star."

"I'll definitely continue to do Kannada film and balance it with my career in other languages."