Kannada film actor Sumukha has boldly declared that the year 2026 will be defined by "unapologetic ambition" for him. In a refreshingly candid conversation, the actor shed light on his patient journey, shaped by discipline and a firm belief in the creative process, rather than a chase for instant fame.
From Theatre Foundations to Superstar Dreams
Sumukha revealed that his aspiration to be in films was nurtured from a young age through constant movie-watching. However, his early grounding came from home, where his parents emphasized the crucial difference between fleeting stardom and lasting craft. "They were very clear that it's not just about becoming a star. It's about how you become an actor — and that's what stays with you long-term," he shared.
Before entering cinema, the actor dedicated nearly eight years to honing his skills on stage. His theatre journey began in Bengaluru and later took him North, influenced by teachers connected to the National School of Drama. He performed extensively in Hindi, treating theatre as a foundational grooming ground rather than just a stepping stone.
The Pandemic Pivot and Staying True to the Big Screen
Sumukha's transition into films coincided with the seismic shift brought by the COVID-19 pandemic and the explosive rise of OTT platforms. He noted that the conventional path he envisioned changed almost overnight, with everything becoming about business, market value, and numbers.
"It was great for people without strong networks because they suddenly had more platforms," he acknowledged. However, Sumukha confessed he remains a "big-screen person" at heart. "I wanted people to walk into theatres to watch my films," he stated, adding that he is currently working on three upcoming Kannada projects.
Embracing Ambition and the Lesson of Impermanence
The actor spoke about a significant personal shift: stopping the habit of downplaying his goals. "For a long time, I hesitated to say my goal out loud. I thought I had to be careful with my words. But I realised that made no sense. I'm here because I want to be a superstar — and that dream is what drives me," Sumukha stated with conviction.
Now juggling multiple projects, he clarified that success for him is no longer about mere visibility but about intent and impact. Reflecting on the industry's volatility, he shared his biggest lesson: nothing is permanent. "There's a day before release when you feel you've made the best film ever, and a few days later, everything changes. Success fades, and so does failure. We shouldn't forget that we're ultimately here to entertain people," he philosophized.
As for New Year resolutions, Sumukha has adopted a more honest and sustainable approach. He has moved away from dramatic resolutions that fall apart after a few weeks. Instead, he focuses on self-awareness about the work that truly excites him, a practice that has brought him considerable peace. For Sumukha, 2026 is clearly about playing his part, loudly and ambitiously.
