Kannada film with deaf-dumb hero in Guinness Book

Bangalore, Nov 9 (IANS) Kannada film 'Snehanjali' has claimed a spot in the Guinness Book of World Records for being the only movie with a deaf-and-dumb actor in the main lead.

Dhruv Sharma, who is congenitally impaired of speech and hearing abilities, plays the lead. But despite his handicap, he played the role of a normal guy with perfection, lip-syncing the dialogues and songs.

His father Suresh, a well-known Kannada actor, is proud of his son's work in 'Snehanjali', releasing Friday.

He said: 'His stunt sequences are also impressive. In song sequences, he looks romantic.'

According to sources, all the relevant documents, including certificates, have been sent to the Guinness Book of World Records and the Limca Book of Records as well and, they say, that recognition is expected.

Anju Varma plays his love interest in the film, which is produced by T.P. Siddaramu and directed by Girish Kampalapur. Rajesh Ramnath has scored the music.

Earlier, two Kannada films made it into the Guinness Book of Records -- director Baragooru Ramachandrappa's 'Shanthi' and Master Kishan's 'Care of Footpath'.

While 'Shanthi' made it to the book as a single artiste film, 'Care of Footpath' was recognised because it had the youngest director, 10-year-old Kishen.

Dhruv has received accolades from senior actors like Anant Nag, Shivaraj Kumar and Puneet Raj Kumar, who have seen the film and spoken highly of his talents.

'I want people to appreciate Dhruv's talent and in future, I want to be known as his father,' said Dhruv's father.

Despite being physically challenged, Dhruv drives his car and does most of the routine work, just like a normal person, and is happily married.