Radhika replaces Bhamaa in YB film

Radhika replaces Bhamaa in YB film

Director Yogaraj Bhatt has zeroed in on Radhika Pandit for his upcoming film

She may be busy with three films in the pipeline, but that didn't stop Radhika Pandit from jumping at the chance to work with Yogaraj Bhat when he offered her a film. The Star Director, who had previously cast Mollywood actor Bhamaa for his upcoming project Drama, decided to replace her with "a more mature" actor because of certain changes he had made to the script. "It's a wonderful opportunity for me to be part of Yogaraj Bhat sir's project," beams Radhika, adding that she's glad to be back onscreen with Yash, her co-star in her debut film. "Yash and I started our careers with Moggina Manasu, which brought us a lot of fame. Audiences liked our pairing in that film and I'm sure they'll love to see us back together in Drama," she tells us.
And even though Radhika has heard the reports stating that she wasn't the original choice for the film, they don't perturb her in the least. "I don't know why Bhamaa is not part of the project anymore and I don't want to know the reason. When Yogaraj sir called and asked me whether I wanted to be a part of Drama, I simply said yes," she says.
The actor is currently in Goa completing the shoot for Breaking News and has Alemaari lined up for release. But it is another one of her films, Adhuri, which is taking time to be completed. "The director, Arjun, doesn't wish to compromise on anything. So he's doing it at his own pace. I don't foresee any other reason for the film to get delayed," maintains Radhika. Seeing that she has so many films to do, how did she manage to assign dates to Yogaraj's movie so quickly? "Bhatru had offered me a film before this, which I could not do because of date clashes. But by the end of January, I will finish all my pending assignments. So I will be free to do Yogaraj sir's film in February," she says.
Contributed by Mahesh H
DIRECTOR'S CUT Even though Yogaraj Bhat conducted around 60 auditions for Drama, he eventually zeroed in on an established actor. "A lot of Kannadiga actors are doing films in other languages. And I don't have time to train newcomers for the role. I had watched Hudugru and I thought Radhika would be apt for my film. I also thought that after Moggina Manasu, audiences would like to see Yash and Radhika back together onscreen," says the director.

THE CHOSEN ONE: Radhika Pandit