Ambareesh's 60th birthday on May 29

SANDALWOOD TO DISH OUT ITS BEST FOR AMBAREESH

The Kannada film fraternity will put together an extravaganza of music, dance and more for actor Ambareesh's big day on May 29

Sharanya CR

The Kannada industry has seen its share of highs and lows. But if there is one person who brings the entire industry together, it's actor Ambareesh. This May 29, all of Sandalwood will unite for the legendary star's 60th birthday. It also marks an important landmark in Ambareesh's career as he has completed 40 years in the industry. The importance of the event is palpable, with Sandalwood going on a three-day holiday for rehearsals and all members doing their bit to make the event as exciting as possible.
What's more interesting is that this is a first-of-itskind-event in the Kannada film industry. Several actors like Sudeep, Upendra, Puneet Rajkumar, Shivarajkumar, Srinagara Kitty, Yogi, Darshan, Yash, Aditya, Ramya, Ragini Dwivedi, Aindrita Ray, Risheeka Singh and Sanjjanaa, among others, will perform at the event. Talking about the big bash, director S Narayan, a key member of the event's committee, says, "We will trace Ambareesh's life though this event. From the time he started his career, to what he is now, we will showcase a series of events that occurred in his life through dance, skits, songs and more. He has contributed a lot to the industry. It's time for us to give back to the actor." Actor Aindrita Ray will be shaking a leg for two songs at the event, "one with Diganth and another with Shivanna," she says, adding that it's a two-and-a-half-minute bit.
We also hear that the new buddies in Sandalwood — Sudeep and Darshan — will be dancing for a sequence together. Sudeep says, "Artists and technicians are getting together to dance to songs from Ambareesh's films, perform skits, duets and whatnot. We hope to make this a day he will cherish."
Actor Ramya, who is extremely fond of the actor, whom she, like many others, calls Ambareesh Uncle, will perform to two numbers, one with Darshan and the other with Puneet.
Actor Ragini, who is still recuperating from an injury, says that she will miss dancing at the event. "I was supposed to do a dance sequence with Yogi, Upendra and Aditya, but
can't now. Though I will
not be dancing, I am d o i n g something d i f - ferent for the show. It's a surprise," she says.
Meanwhile, the Rebel Star himself is believed to be doing a special number at the event. Says actor Aditya, "He has offered to dance at this event and I am waiting to see him perform. The bash is going to be a spectacular one with horses, fireworks, cars and bikes being specially brought down for the event."
With inputs from Kavya
Christopher
UPPI, PRIYANKA FIRST DANCE ON STAGE Sandalwood's glam couple, Real Star Upendra and Priyanka, will for the first time be seen together onstage. "We wanted to so something special for the Rebel Star and we came up with this concept of doing a jig together," says Priyanka, adding that Uppi and she have never danced or performed together onstage. "We've chosen a classic Ambareesh hit for the dance and I hope both Ambareesh and his fans enjoy it," she says.
Contributed by Madhu Daithota

IS RAJINI COMING? Apart from stars from Sandalwood, we also hear that top actors from other industries will be attending this event. The buzz is that Rajinikanth will be at the event, as will Kamal Haasan, Chiranjeevi, Nagarjuna and Shatrughan Sinha, among others. "Ambareesh shares great camaraderie with other actors. Since it's his big day, we've invited some of his close friends from other film industries as well. I am sure it's going to get bigger as they have confirmed their presence," confirms Narayan.

Priyanka and Upendra

Ambareesh

Darshan

Sudeep

SHAKE THAT LEG: Aindrita Ray

Ramya will dance with Darshan and Puneet on stage