Actor Shankar Nag, popularly known as Auto Raja, continues to enjoys a wide fan base among autorickshaw drivers in the city. In a true tribute to the actor, his ardent fan — Ramanna, an auto driver who made a film on the late actor in 2012 — is now all set to direct and act in another film this year.
Ramanna, who calls himself Junior Shankar Nag, is all set to start shooting for a film ‘Shankar Nag Kanasu, Auto Ramanna Manasu’. The film, he says, will be based on the lives of auto drivers and the impact of actor Shankar Nag on their lives.
“The film will portray both the good and bad aspects of the lives of auto drivers. While I will try and highlight positive aspects, I will also throw light on some aspects of auto drivers’ behaviour that needs to be improved,” he says.
This is not the devoted fan’s first tribute to Shankar Nag. His first film titled ‘Shankar Nag Savinenapu, Auto Chalakara Kanasu’ was directed in 2012 and DVDs were released. The film had tit bits from Shankar Nag’s life and his life.
Mr. Ramanna has also compiled a book in 2013 which has experiences of auto drivers from across the State.
“I am not the only crazy Shankar Nag fan. There are hundreds of people like me and I have written about their interesting experiences. I have met an auto driver, who runs an orphanage in memory of our hero. Another young auto driver I met says he wakes up everyday to see Shankar Nag’s photo.”
Free ride He says that if passengers choose to buy either the book or DVD they would get a free ride in his auto. Besides the book and the movie, Mr. Ramanna has tattooed Shankar Nag’s name on his right forearm and has also installed a statue of Shankar Nag on Mysore Road.
Ask him what his motivation is, he says, “Shankar Nag’s generosity has changed the direction of my life. He was the one who gave me my first break in the movie S.P. Sangliana, where I played a small role. Since then, I have acted in over 60 films in small roles.”
Acting in films whenever he gets an opportunity, he spends most of his days driving his auto.
‘Immense satisfaction’ “I have worked as a carpenter, employee of a power loom company and in a saree manufacturing unit. But being an auto driver gives me immense satisfaction. I travel around the city, meet different people,” he says.
