Acting in a film where you were fighting against a fly that actually didn't exist; how difficult was it? I personally feel that you need to get into the director's head a little and understand what exactly he wants. There's not a single human on this earth who has not been tortured by a fly. It is more monoacting on the screen and that's what I had to keep in mind. It was the clarity that Rajamouli had given me and he was there in case there was any confusion. All I had to be was like a good instrument on the set; he was doing the fine tuning. In the initial stages, there was a fear of working in a foreign fraternity (Andhra). That was scarier than acting alone on screen. So the question for me was - how do I gain their confidence? The whole challenge was of not wanting a few things to happen - Rajamouli is a guy who been very successful and I didn't want anyone to point a finger at him and say finally he made a wrong choice. This pressure and responsibility is what I enjoyed.
What did you first think when you were offered the film? I chose the person and not the script. I was blessed to be working with Ram Gopal Varma (RGV) and through him, Rajamouli. Though the Kannada industry's doing well, there's an amount of vacuum still around us. He got me from there and showed abundant trust in me.
Was this movie a quest to showcase your talent better to a much larger audience? If any actor says I'm bound by boundaries and this is where I want to live, somewhere he will agree that he's living a lie. I don't think any actor wants to have a boundary; he just wants to travel. It's not about autographs or stardom - stardom has never impressed me anyway. There was a time when I used to stand in the Bangalore airport and see actors come from Mumbai and watch the buzz around them. And I wanted to get down at some other airport and also have people recognize me and talk to me. That appealed to me more than anything else. It wasn't a quest to grow as a star but I wanted to have people come to me with respect and say that I have done a good job. I think I got a platform in this film. Suddenly, one Friday, things have changed! Frankly I don't know where I am right now. I just know the film has done very well and I am being appreciated. I think I'll just put a full stop at that.
Do you think this is a turning point in your career? I have no idea. The film has been successful and people say it's given a south Indian star stardom. But I have no idea how successful I am right now. All I know is that I got a lot of calls of appreciation and that's the reward I always wanted in life. I guess when someone calls me and asks me for dates, I'll know then. Right now, no one has.
Were you apprehensive about taking on a negative role? No. I think there's a little bit ofgoodness and badness in every human. It's upto us when we get it out. Negative is just a shade. There was a graph in this character and I liked that.
Are you looking forward to doing Tamil films now? If I say I am not looking forward to something, I would be lying. I don't think it's the market that connects - the making standards, scripts and directors' convictions are quite in certain states. To work with such people is a blessing altogether. Thankfully, I have come in at a time where there are a lot of offbeat roles happening. Maybe if an film comes along, then yes. You want to try out something new and come out of the monotony of being a lead actor singing songs. If you ask me today, I'd say Naan Ee / Eega is one my best films. As for my career, it has taken off long back. As for the journey, it's getting bigger and better.
You have done a few films with RGV, any more Bollywood films in the horizon? There were a few Hindi films that came my way but frankly, I kind of felt isolated there. It was not anatmosphere I was used to. Bollywood's definitely huge and glamorous but I guess south Indians are more emotional by nature - we like to chat and mingle a little. We don't treat movies as just a business. I didn't feel at home in Mumbai. I really enjoyed working with RGV. But I think I belong in the south and I am happy.
Do you see awards coming your way now? It's been nine years since I attended any award ceremony. I wouldn't say they are rigged but everyone knows there's a certain amount of unfaithfulness happening there. Some particular years when you know that no one other than you can stand a chance at winning and when they surprise you by awarding someone else, you tend to get disappointed. After a certain point, I realized I was the one responsible for it - expecting it and then sulking - it doesn't take you anywhere. The rewards I am getting of late with all the big icons calling me and everyone welcoming me - I don't think there can be anything more exciting.
And what did Superstar Rajinikanth tell you? I wish I could imitate him but I can't (laughs). He has his own style of appreciating things. He spoke to me for about 15 minutes; it was mind-blowing. There was one line he said that I'll never forget. Rajini sir said, "I thought I was the best villain but you beat me outright!" That one call made my day, made my life.
SOURCE : TOI
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