Regional/ Widening borders

By Shoma A. Chatterji

You have worked under the best directors, but the kind of success an actor aspires for, has eluded you. Why?

Firstly, it’s because of the image I project — rough-and-tough looks, with a penchant for martial arts; the action image is something that Bengali cinema was not prepared for when I got my break. Secondly, I’d attribute it to providence, and last but not the least, marketing. I am bad at the latter, which entails promoting myself and creating a network. But it is an essential aspect of every actor’s life now, never mind the ranking.

You’ve worked under renowned film-makers of both mainstream (Prabhat Roy, Anjam Choudhury, Sujit Guha etc) and art house cinema (Rituparno Ghosh, Atanu Ghosh, Arindam Sil and Sandip Ray. How do you look back at the experience?

Every director has taught me different things. I believe that the director is god during the making of a film. If the script and the story were the heroes for Anjan Choudhury, who understands the pulse of his audience, Prabhat Roy was known for his focus on technique. Haranath Chakraborty brought technicians from Southern films and along with Shree Venkatesh and Prosenjit, they hit big-time. But Rituparno Ghosh was an institution by himself.

Could you elaborate on the Rituparno Ghosh experience?

Rituda brought an entirely new perspective on acting. He taught me to internalise a character, to be in control, to strategise acting like a mind game, like moves you make in a game of chess. I was thrilled when he chose me for Behari in Chokher Bali over Saif Ali Khan and Abhishek Bachchan. Rituda had actually rejected me after the first screen test, yet he asked me to report again. He taught me to keep a “back diary” as Behari writing a diary in 1905, the period the story is set in. I still keep one or my films.

What made you take on the risks of producing and directing your own film?

I am stubborn to a fault. I had approached many producers with the script, but all of them rejected it after a few days. I finally found one who agreed. But he stepped back 15 days before the shooting was to begin. I had taken block dates from my actors and technicians and most of them are a busy lot. How could I let them down? For me, it was a long-cherished dream so I decided to produce it myself.

Were you also sad that your six-pack body, your martial arts skills and dancing skills were never exploited by other directors?

Yes, I was sad but I do not blame anyone for this. My directors did not make films where they could fit my physical skills or looks. Besides, I was more or less slotted in villain’s roles; I was sick and tired of losing to the heroes. It then struck me that I could what I wanted to in my own project. I decided to make the villain make the hero of my film and thus, Villain was born! It is a showcase film for me as well as a challenge.

You are often raved about for your body and fitness in Tollygunge.

I take it as an honour. I have forever led an extremely disciplined life. I exercise and work out everyday for at least an hour in my personal gym. I keep a control on my diet, but never go overboard. And I am professional too. And I have the solid support of my family. That is why I am still around after nearly two decades.

Briefcase

Murli Sharma in Yevadu

Murli Sharma will be seen playing an investigating cop who’s trailing Ramcharan in the upcoming Telugu film Yevadu. Murli, who won a Nandi award for Atithi, his first Telugu film is very excited about this film as he says he has a great role in it. Moreover, he is playing an honest cop in it, for a change. As far as Hindi films are concerned, he will be seen in Atul Agnihotri’s O Teri, Param Gill’s untitled film being produced by Remo D’Souza, Anand Kumar’s Desi Kattey among others.

Ram Charan booked for obscene film posters

A case has been registered against Telugu actor Ram Charan and nine others on charge of alleged obscenity in film posters of their film Yevadu, on January 15.
K Nagendra Prasad, in his complaint stated that the film’s posters were obscene. They were booked under relevant sections of the IPC and Indecent Representation of Women Prohibition Act, 1986. Yevadu which released on January 12, is directed by Vamsi Paidipally.