Mysuru: Not everyone is lucky to enter the film industry. But, once one gets the lucky break, it is all about an individual’s skill to sustain and grow in their respective departments. There are many examples of aspiring actors and technicians giving up on their lives after failing to stamp their class in the glam world. But, there are few, who come out of the depression and lead a decent life taking up some other profession.
Every Kannadiga is familiar with the legendary actor late K.S. Ashwath, a Mysurean, who reached the pinnacle of success in the industry but had a sad end due to his uncompromising attitude to life. Even his son Shankar Ashwath made a successful entry into Kannada Film Industry and served it for about 25 years. But, he too lost opportunities after donning many characters of acting shades. What did he do? Left with no choice, Shankar Ashwath registered himself as a driver with Uber, a private cab-operating firm, in Bengaluru.
However, Shankar is not ready to blame the industry for depriving him of acting roles. According to him, it is because of the generation gap that he has not been getting the opportunities to act in cinema and small screen. Though he has not quit acting, the opportunity he gets is not enough to meet his daily family needs. “My father (K.S. Ashwath) has taught me to lead a self-sufficient life without making any compromises. I will not go around asking people for help. There is a need for everyone to work until they are healthy and save money for the autumn years of life. I drive cabs when there is no work in the industry for which I have no regret,” he said.
If one is an actor, one is also a master of disguises. Hence, Shankar Ashwath to mask his identity wears a cap so that he will not be recognised by his customers as he has to answer all kinds of questions.
Shankar is an inspiration to others because he has respect for what he does and his ‘never say die attitude.’ No industry will come to the aid of a person in distress and particularly in the world of entertainment, for which there are several examples. It is for an individual to decide his future as the society caters only to those who are fit enough to survive.
This is the difference between honest and dishonest people! His father did not assume that his son has a birth right to become an actor, and let his talent guide him! If he was talented in acting, he would have become an actor . A
Very decent family! Today, most of the Kannada movies are a trash because an actors family irrespective of if their son of daughter has any talent, force them to the movies , using political pressures, money pressures, Goonda gangs and even make sure the good movies are stopped on their track and stupid movies are released!
Many good Kannada actors and actresses moved to other languages just because of the garbage environmental Karnataka movie industry is in to!
I remember he was running a medical store near Kamakshi hospital. What happened to that?
It’s a free advertising for Uber company.
Very inspiring and does not compromise on self respect. I have watched his movie most of them in negative role he has a talent but not lucky enough. There will be no actor like his legendary dad Sri KC Ashwath and was no kannada movie with out him in supporting role. May God bless Mr Shankar Ashwath with comfort living and good health.