I’m in talks with Tanushree: Hemanth

Hemanth Hegde made headlines last year when his film Housefull caused a furore over the inclusion of a Charlie Chaplin statue in the film.
But the actor-director is not one to baulk at controversy. His next directorial venture, titled Rama Rama Shri Rama, could potentially cause a problem among certain parties. “The title is apt for the story. I’m not doing it to be in the news.One shouldn’t bother when it comes to creativity. It’s a total family-oriented film with clean comedy,” maintains Hemanth.
He also plans to bring Bollywood hottie Tanushree Dutta to Sandalwood for this film. “I wanted the film to have a pan-India image and the role demands some glamour. That’s why I chose her,” says Hemanth, who has finished his first round of talks with the heroine. “At first, Tanushree was reluctant about doing a Kannada film. In fact, when I narrated the story to her, she thought it was for a Hindi film. But then I told her that it’ll be made in Kannada. If the film clicks here, I’ll make it in Hindi,” explains the director. Hemanth is off to Mumbai on February 15 for the second round of talks with the Bong beauty. “I’ll be there to discuss her remuneration and am confident she’ll take up this project,” he says.
Hemanth has also confirmed Avatar Gill, Gulshan Grover and former Femina Miss India contestant Aishwarya Duggal for the film. As for the hero, Hemanth himself is set to take on the role. “I recently checked out some Kannada heroes’ remuneration and found it was too high. I thought it would be better if I put the same money into the film,” he says. Does Hemanth think he’s hero material? “If I wasn’t, how would people have accepted me in Housefull? A hero becomes an actor because of his film. People look for good films,” he adds. The title has three Ramas, but there are three heroines in the film. “The film is all about a foolish guy surrounded by three girls. That’s why I chose to play the lead,” he laughs.