Actor Srikant - A tete-a-tete

 

 

He has just a single release to his credit, 'Rojakoottam'. But this has earned him appreciation from the audience and the film industry; got him plenty of offers, and a large female following. Srikant has recently opened a website in his name. His second film 'April Mathathil' is due for release this month. 

On his refusing an offer from AVM: I'm honoured that a big banner like the AVMs offered me their project. But the story needed some changes and I was apprehensive about whether the role would suit me. I felt I wouldn't be able to justify the role. I conveyed this to Mr. Saravanan and he understood my dilemma. The project has been postponed, and I still have the advance money they've given me. I was recuperating in the hospital when they offered me the role and it really pepped me up!

On selecting his heroines: I leave it to the director. I've never asked a producer or a director to sign a certain heroine. I'm concerned only about my character and the script. In fact, I don't think I'm even in a position to suggest such things!

On negative gossips in the press: There were rumours about me and Sneha. But since there was no truth in it, I just ignored it. We're doing just two films together. 'April Mathathil' and 'Parthibhan Kanavu'. Sneha is a senior actress with 14 films to her credit and my co-star and I'm not in love with her. I'm concentrating on my career right now, and I've a lot to achieve. Earlier, while I was acting with Bhoomika in 'Rojakootam' too there were rumours about me and her. But I ignored it and it died a natural death.

On how gossips originate: When you become an actor, you're personal life is gone. At times you've to be away from your family for long schedules of shooting. Just because I'm a hero, I can't sit all alone, on the sets. I chat with even a light-boy and everybody else on the sets. So if something is written, I just ignore it. Gossips are to be read and not taken seriously!

On competition: I welcome competition. It's very healthy. We all have to work

On selecting a film: In recent times it's been extremes, like either it's a full-fledged action film, or a complete romance. I want a script that has all the elements, a bit of action, romance, sentiment and humour. One that would satisfy all types of audiences.

On the roles he'd like to do: I wouldn't like to typecast myself in any particular role. I would like to do varieties, explore all kind of roles. Not jump into hardcore action straight away. I want my growth as an actor to be gradual, I want to be versatile. An image destroys the potential in an actor. I'm a great fan of Rajnikant and Kamal Haasan. In recent times it is Vikram. I like Kartihk's bubbliness and I'm an admirer of Mammootty. I want to have the plus points of al the heroes! hard, put our best foot forward. There's no time to relax, and in the long run it will be the survival of the fittest!

On directors he'd like to work with: I do have my dream directors. Like Maniratnam, and I've been knocking at his doors! There's Bala, and directors like Fazil. There are two people I would like to work with again. Director Sashi and Producer Oscar Ravichandran of 'Rojakootam'. They've given me tremendous support and if not for them I wouldn't have been here.

On his struggling days: Coming this far has not been easy for me. I too have struggled for a piece of place under the Sun. I remember visiting various directors. I met Jeeva when he was looking out for heroes for '12B'. He asked me to get some photographs of mine. But then I didn't have any. A good portfolio takes about ten to fifteen thousand rupees. And I didn't have that much money. I obviously couldn't borrow from my parents salary! But all the struggle has paid off now.

Accident prone?: I had these two accidents when I was shooting for 'April Mathathil'. One was a car accident. The second time I was wounded during a fight scene. I was hospitalised for some time. But now all the pain seems worth it, because the movie has shaped out really well.

Your crazy fan: There's this unique fan from Japan. She's seen my film on DVD in Japan, and got in touch with me. She's started a fan club for me there. Now she's even learning Tamil and Bharatnatyam.

On his films and roles: In 'April Mathathil' releasing on Nov. 29th, I play a college student in a small town. The film depicts the healthy part of college life, bonding, separation during vacations, etc. It's a colourful, pleasant film. 'Manasellam' has lots of action and emotion, and gave me a range of emotions and action to portray. 'Partibhan Kanavu' is one step ahead of my earlier films, since I'm doing a role above my age. I'm playing a marketing executive and it is a challenging role. I've also signed a Telugu film for producer Ravi Shankar Prasad of Gemini T.V. Channel. It's an Indo-U.S. Production, and a major portion will be shoot in the U.S. , the rest in Kerala. 'Roja koottam' had run for 100 days in Andhra, and I've been getting offers from Telugu film makers since then.

On his New Year plans: I was busy shooting during the last New Year for 'Rojakoottam'. It was my introduction shot for the film. This New Year I'll be shifting to my new flat with my parents. My father had acted in about 100 plays even while he was working. Now he's proud to see me up there on the screen, and seeing his ambition fulfilled through me. I've bought this flat for them and the joy on their faces is my greatest satisfaction!