Upendra accepts negative roles in non-Kannada films

Bangalore, Feb 13 (IANS) Kannada cinema's evergreen hero Upendra is all ready to do negative roles in Telugu and Tamil films.

"Doing negative roles is a great challenge for an actor. It does not harm his career and provides opportunities to showcase his talent. But he has to be careful in accepting such roles because it all depends on how the actor is projected," Upendra told IANS.

"I don't think there will be opposition from my fans in Karnataka over my decision, as I continue to do lead roles in Kannada films," he added.

For the Telugu movie, he teams up with director Rami Reddy, who had earlier won the Nandi Award for a film in which Upendra played a special role. Uday Kiran is the film's hero.

And Rajashekhar will direct Upendra's Tamil film titled "Sathya". While Vishaal, the film's hero, will play a tough cop, Upendra has interesting role with negative shades, said sources close to the Kannada star.

Upendra has delivered many blockbusters including "Upendra", "Gowramma" and "Preethse". The actor, who started his career as a lyricist, has established himself as a star to reckon with in Kannada filmdom. However, he continues to write lyrics as well.

Upendra did try his hand at negative roles at the start of his acting career but producers and fans in Karnataka are not likely to let him play villain any more in Kannada films.