Kannada star Raghavendra to turn director

Bangalore, Oct 24 (IANS) Actor-producer Raghavendra Raj Kumar is all set to direct a film.

"Most probably I will start by directing a social film next year," Raghavendra said here.

Raghavendra, associated with the Kannada TV series "Srushti" on Zee TV as producer, has so far shown interest in discussing stories and scripts for his home productions.

"Earlier, I had too many responsibilities to handle and it was not possible to take up direction. But now I feel that the time is ripe for me to do so."

He said he had been encouraged by "the positive response" from his brothers as well as by the fact that "a young director like Mahesh Babu has directed a super-hit flick like 'Akash'."

Apart from direction, Raghavendra is also thinking of launching his son Vinay RajKumar as a hero in the near future.

"Vinay is showing interest in dancing and acting. But he has not told me anything yet," said Raghavendra.

"I won't interfere with his choice but I see him going to the gym to get himself physically fit. His friends have also been telling us that he is hero material," said the proud father.