Film producer Umapathy Srinivas made a series of sharp remarks during the State Film Awards ceremony in Mysuru, suggesting that true stardom is built through teamwork, not individual fame. Without naming actor Darshan, Umapathy said, Someone once claimed films are made only when producers exist, not stars. But in truth, it’s the producer and director who create a star.
He emphasized that the success of a film depends on the collaboration between the producer, director, and audience rather than the star alone. Stars are made by the combined efforts of many, not by one person’s image, he stated, appearing to hint at Darshan’s recent controversies.
Commenting on celebrity fan culture, Umapathy observed that once actors gain fame, some forget the producers who supported them. Feeding fans once a year doesn’t make anyone a benefactor; those who support others daily are the real ones, he added.
In what seemed like a reference to Darshan’s political involvement, he quipped, There’s a saying — some lose a year’s earnings for a day’s wage. We have a living example of that today.
Speaking about his future plans, Umapathy revealed that his next project will feature two leading heroes. He dismissed the trend of making pan-India films, saying, Those who tried ended up empty-handed. For me, Karnataka is my strength — one must always return to their roots.