Sanchith Sanjeev, the nephew of Kannada star actor Kiccha Sudeepa, is the latest addition to the long list of acclaimed lead actors-cum-directors from the Sandalwood.
The trend of directors acting in their films started to pick up in the 1980s with renowned film personalities such as Shankar Nag, V Ravichandran, Kashinath Upendra, and more doing the act.
Shankar Nag started his career with theatres and then in films with Girish Karnard’s epic film Ondanondu Kaladalli (1978). He also directed the popular TV series Malgudi Days (1986).
Following his debut film Aparoopada Athithigalu (1976), Kashinath went on to act and direct several critically acclaimed films including Aparichita (1978) and Anubhava (1984).
Ramesh Aravind began his journey with Sundara Swapnagalu (1986), directed by the legendary late K Balachander. His latest as actor Shivaji Surathkal 2 (2023) did good business at the box office.
Real star Upendra is another highly talented filmmaker. After assisting his mentor Kashinath in films, he started as a director with the film Tharle Nan Maga (1992) followed by Shhh! (1993).
Kiccha Sudeep made his debut in Thayavva (1997). His directorial was My Autograph in 2006, a remake of the Tamil film Autograph (2004) directed by Cheran.
Rishab Shetty did a few minor roles in films like Tuglak (2012), Lucia (2013), and Ulidavaru Kandante (2014). He made his directorial debut with Ricky (2016).
After his stint as an actor in the film Simple Agi Ondu Love Story (2013), Raksht Shetty’s most ambitious venture as a director was Ulidavaru Kandante (2014).
Raj B Shetty made his acting-cum-directorial debut with the comedy-drama Ondu Motteya Kathe (2017). Its instant success led him to direct films and as well as act.