 How are you sir..
I am some how feeling that I am at the retirement stage – a foot in the
grave. I have been suspended by election commission for no mistake. Till
2007 I am not supposed to take part in any political activity. So I am in
films that are meaningfully made. My nod is for sensible directors like
Prakash, Girish Kamplapur, Naganna etc. How this suspension took place? I was made a token candidate by Janata Dal (S) against former chief minister
now the governor of Maharashtra S.M.Krishna. I did not take party money for
spending nor did I spend money. I lost the election from Chamrajpet
assembly. When there was no spending I kept quiet. The party office said not
to worry about the filing of expenditure. After a few months I received a
letter from Election Commission office that I have been suspended for three
years from political activities. For no mistake of mine I have been
targeted.
Off late you are deviating from films..
Not like that. When I am in politics I can't concentrate on films. Now I am
free I am acting in quite a few movies. I have played a prominent role in
Amol Pakelar's 'Anahat' in which Sonali Bendre also appeared in a lead role.
What do you do to get peace of mind from your hectic activities? I land up at Ashram near Kasargod or indulge in temple activities near
Mangalore. You are in the industry since three and half decades. What is the marked
difference between the present and past genre of film makers? In those days a film made with Rs.20 lakh budget was prepared well within
the four walls. There was discussion and involvement from every one. Today
the approach is missing. If a film is very well discussed for one month then
there is possibility of reaching the needs. Without proper home work if you
invest Rs.3 crore or Rs.300 crores the result will not be there.
The controversy what we see today for state awards was found in your regime
also?
The curse of awards is controversy. Every year this controversy will be
there. Among the young breed of directors whom do you rate very high? I strongly feel Prakash is the bright person. He studies very well and then
takes up his project. Two of his films 'Kushi' and 'Rishi' are hit ones. The
film 'Sri' is surely going to be warmly received by the audience. I have
worked under Prakash's father Jayaram films also. There is studios approach
like how you find it in Dr.Rajkumar banner. Prakash has the ability to
convince all doubts. In fact I have tested him on a few occasions.
What next in politics for you? I am in the suspension stage. The coalition government now in Karnataka is
not that apt for me. I am keeping quiet. I am a strong biter of Congress
from 1974. When my party Janata Dal (S) is sharing power with Congress in
Karnataka I don't have any work to do. You are an actor par excellence. A great actor like Kamal Hassan has said
once..,
According to me he is also a good actor. This exchange of compliments is
always there in this art field. For me understanding the role and behaving
like that with no feel that we are acting is important.
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