Massive encounter!

26 Sep 2009 4 Comments

by Sindhu Murthy in Movies Tags: , , , , , , ,

Presenting to you, one of the most ‘candid’ conversations by most standards, in the history of conversations – by standards here, I don’t mean the intellectuality of the conversation or the person in question but the meagre extent of preparation for the conversation that set a certain standard – an abominable one! The interaction was candid because I thought I can and therefore I did. Yes, a candid conversation in that sense. That lame a can-did approach, this.

Before moving onto the can-did interaction, lets talk something more presentable: I was this blessed one, who was out there, to meet some achievers. This time, the national awardee for the best actress – Namma Kannada naadina Umashree. I prepared for several hours with feverish excitement. And, at Badami House, when I saw her walking towards her car after a felicitation by the Kannada Film Academy, I ran breathlessly to catch up. When I reached there, it was almost as if I wanted to first look at her from a distance for a while with awe, feel satisfied and then, take my time to collect myself, and talk. But, it had to happen all too soon. I ran and was I flattered or what, when she recognised my voice as I said Hello! Humility knocked me out. We met later again and sat down to discuss this actor’s journey. It was an interrupted interaction. While she spoke about her art, her approach to the art, her surrender to the art and so on, dozens of her colleagues butted in to congratulate her and sat down for atleast 15 minutes each, to chat. Meanwhile, I nervously looked around to see if I could get the names of all the actors around. She would then get back again, and continue… with her eyes dancing all around her face, as she narrated the story of Gulabni in Gulabi Talkies – expressive in every sense of the word. She can draw you into her world if you merely looked at her – and if at all from close quarters, the whole wide world comes picturesque before you. Oh c’mon who are we talking about, after all!

And later, in the melee of stars, I spotted a giant. I looked again and again and again – it was the giant indeed! What-did-I-just-see?! My photographer smiling at my bewilderment, confirmed – yes that IS the giant himself, he nodded! What should I do – run home, for I’ve done what I should have – call and tell who I just saw – no, no that would mean talking to the giant, or worse, interviewing him for tomorrow’s edition – why dint I know – what do I know now – who could help me – why me? HELP!!! I yelped!! And what happened in the next 20 minutes was a can-did conversation with who, dare I say – Prakash Rai (Raj) -

Can-did victim: You were pitted against Shah Rukh Khan and Aamir Khan – two giants of Bollywood. Are you happy you have beaten them both?

Candid Badshah: I have not beaten them. Prakash Raj cannot remove Shah Rukh Khan as an actor from his Chak De or Swades, nor can he take away Aamir Khan from his Taare Zameen Par. I cant take away Mohanlal from his movies either. Each one is a real good actor. The movie required each of us to portray our respective roles. Can you imagine Shah Rukh do a Kanchivaram or me do a Chak De? We are all a family and it just happened to be my birthday (smiles).

C-d V: What does the award mean to you?

CB: I am happy but I have many milestones to reach in life’s long journey. Most importantly, I happened to land in this film that demanded a certain performance from me. It turned out to be a more intense film that required me to render a certain performance and hence the award. Please, let me reiterate that I am not being modest about it. I am not saying it with any humility whatsoever. This is the stark truth. Kindly note.

C-d V: The Telugu film industry banned you. What went wrong?

CB: Yes, but things went wrong both ways. Both parties involved have made mistakes. But that does not make me discontent, neither has it stopped me. Remember, stones are thrown at trees that bear fruits. And my surname had stirred up controversies.

C-d V: Your forthcoming film is a remake of Abhiyum Nanmu. What is it about?

CB: This is my directorial venture. It is a Kannada film called Naanu Nanna Kanasu. I would not say it is about a relationship between a father and his daughter. Let us say, it is about the fact that while children grow up, fathers don’t.

C-d V: Your production house nurtures a lot of young talent. Any particular reason that you choose to go this way?

CB: I am not doing a favour by bringing in youngsters. It is very important to be relevant. I believe in multi-tasking and bringing out the multiple facets in me. I believe in youngsters, I believe they have immense talent and potential. My perception is that, I need to give back what I have acquired. I cant return the favour to the same people who brought me here. Its my way of taking it forward and expressing my gratitude.

C-d V: Are you a meticulous planner? What is next plan of action?

CB: I have no plan of action whatsoever. I believe in the journey of life. I am prepared to see the myriad horizons that the journey throws up. I simply, just go with the flow.

Going with the flow did he say – all greatnesses stem from going with the flow, I interpreted. Happy-lets-say-I’m-lucky, I left.

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