Daijiworld Media Network – Bengaluru

Bengaluru, Aug 10: Hailing from Dakshina Kannada, Kannada actress Aishani Shetty, who made her Sandalwood debut opposite Rakshit Shetty in Vaastu Prakara, is stepping into the world of filmmaking as a director. Marking this major leap, she has launched her own production banner, ‘Shaakuntale Cinemas’, under which she will direct her first feature film.

Aishani has acted in films like "Gani B.Com Pass", "Hondisi Bareyiri", and "Dharani Mandala Madhyadolage". However, she became popularly known as ‘Shaakuntale’ after the song "Shaakuntale Sikkalu" from "Naduve Antaravirali" struck a chord with audiences. Embracing the name given by fans, she has now named her production house after it.

Though this marks her directorial debut in feature films, Aishani has previously explored storytelling through short films. While pursuing her postgraduate studies, she wrote a script inspired by real incidents she experienced during an academic trip to Sindhagi. That script became the short film "Kaaji", starring Hitha Chandrashekar, which was screened at multiple international film festivals.

'There’s excitement… and some fear'

Speaking about her foray into direction and production, Aishani shared, “There’s happiness and also a bit of fear. I’m taking on a new responsibility. Cinema has always held a special place in my life, and storytelling is something I truly enjoy. Directing this film has taken me on a journey I didn’t expect to make.”

She added, “At some point, the thought of producing it myself felt right. That’s when I decided to start my own production house. ‘Shaakuntale’ is a name the audience lovingly gave me — wherever I go, people call me that. It brings me joy. Naming the banner after it is my way of honouring their affection. I’m determined to take this responsibility seriously and give it my all.”