Bhubaneswar, June 1: Odia boy Udayan Aparajeet is set to work in a Kannada film directed by popular name from the industry, Sharan Kumar.

The Jajpur guy has grabbed the lead role in the film Khiladi that releases in July.

For Aparajeet, working in Odia films would make him "a star but not an actor". "I had acted in small roles in Odia films, but neither did they give me any recognition nor any opportunity to learn. Even if I click I might become popular, but I would never become a performer. So, I thought of starting from the scratch and headed for Bangalore," said Aparajeet.

When asked how does the Kannada film industry score over Odia film, the actor said: "There is a lack of commitment and preparedness among the people involved in the film industry here in the state. I have seen the journey from the script to the screen to last only a month or two. But, filmmakers there in the south spend months only to write and rewrite the script. So, the quality of films produced there is much better."

The initial days in the metro city were not easy. The Odia boy struggled for over three-and-a-half years before landing with Khiladi.

"I started living in a hostel and took up a job. I opened a studio where post-production work was done for films and I got to meet a number of people from the industry," said Udayan.

But, he gave up the job after a year to devote all his time to acting.

Recalling his experiences, Udayan said: "I set a deadline and told myself that if I am not being able to get a break, I will go back to my state. In a span of two years, I gave over 143 auditions. I was completely frustrated and had given up when the news of my selection for the film came."

Starring with him in the film are Kannada actors Sanjana Naidu and Sunil Kumar. The film is a love triangle based on a real life incident.

"I took the dialogues from the director 15 days ahead of the shoot and asked a few of my friends to help me translate it into English to understand them properly. I used to rehearse accordingly," said the 28-year-old boy. He also has a Kannada and a Tamil film lined in the pipeline.

He also has a few Odia films and reality shows in his pocket, but he is in no rush. "I will not work for money in my state, rather I would work for my people. So, I am waiting for the right script," said Aparajeet.