Kannada movie star Vijay Raghavendra joins the TeachAids education efforts
“I’ve been waiting for an opportunity to be part of an initiative where I could be the voice of several people who would want to know how to promote social welfare. I’m immensely thrilled to be a part of this production to bring much needed knowledge into our communities.” – Vijay Raghavendra
Celebrated actor in the Kannada film industry and recent winner of Big Boss Kannada (the Indian equivalent of Big Brother), the charming Vijay Raghavendra has graciously donated his voice for the male student in the Kannada TeachAIDS animations. He will be playing opposite Sudeep, who plays the role of the erudite male doctor. Together they engage in a lively and informative exchange around HIV prevention.
Born and raised in Bangalore, Raghavendra studied Commerce at Seshadripuram Main College. The son of renowned Kannada producer S. A. Chinne Gowda, Raghavendra is also related to the infamous Rajkumar and cousin to industry icons Shivrajkumar, Raghavendra Rajkumar, and Puneeth Rajkumar. Growing up with a family background in the music and film industries, Raghavendra began his career early as a child actor in the movie Chalisuva Modagalu.
Soon after his debut, Raghavendra went on to play child’s roles in Chinnari Mutha and Kotreshi Kanasu, receiving wide acclaim and launching him into the Kannada industry as well as earning him a National Film Award for Best Child Artist for his performance in Kotreshi Kanasu. In the film, he played a young boy who is a social outcast pursuing his hopes and dreams in the face of discrimination. The film went on to win the National Film Award for Best Feature Film in Kannada.
Since then, Raghavendra has transitioned into lead roles in several films and has produced over 30 movies. His performances have garnered huge success, and he has been recognized for his performance in varied roles including his debut as a lead actor in Ninagagi, as well as in Kallarali Hoovagi, Rishi, Karanji, and Snehitaru, amongst others. He has several films recently released or in production this year, including Chella Pilli, Ondu Roopayalli Eradu Preethi, and Vighna.
Raghavendra was particularly hopeful that the TeachAids message would reach the young people in Karnataka, saying, “It is my hope that our message reaches the minds and hearts of all the young people throughout our state and provides them with pivotal information to help them live healthy and prosperous lives.”
The Kannada TeachAids animations have been approved by the Karnataka state government, with the Karnataka AIDS Prevention Society’s commitment to distribute 30,000 copies of the software throughout the state to those who would most benefit from these educational tools.
Raghavendra joins other celebrated cultural icons in the role of the inquisitive male student, including actors Navdeep Pallapollu in the Telugu version and Siddharth in the Tamil version of the TeachAids animations.
Photo: Left: Celebrated actor, Vijay Raghavendra, prepares to record his voice as the male student in the Kannada version of TeachAids at Balaji Digi Studio in Bangalore, Karnataka. Middle: Dr. Piya Sorcar, Founder and CEO, TeachAids Right: Chinmay Rane, Cameraman, TeachAIDS India