Srikanth

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An Interview with Newface
Srikanth

Whatever may be the shooting spot, wherever we go, it is the heroine who would turn our attention towards them. But it was a different scene at the spot where 'Roja Koottam' was being filmed. Our expectation was turned upside down, to our wonderment. There the hero Sirkanth, the new face, stood apart majestically as a king. Clearly, he was head and shoulders above the rest who were assembled at that spot.

His stunning appearance would take any teenaged girl by surprise. His is a sizzling posture as he is fairly tall. He has an endearing smile. His innate majesty is his fortune. In sum, he stands a sterling chance in winning the competition for becoming the next Madhavan!

Was it an easy transition for you from modeling to movies?

"As a collegian, I was taking part in fashion shows, doing modeling, and acting for T.V advertisements. I came across the all-important turning point as I had my first break in Cinema through my contact with a co-ordinator. It was he who instigated me to try my luck in filmdom as Oscar films was on the look out for a new face to act as the hero in their film. Promptly, I met Sasi, the director concerned. As I had sported a beard in all the stills I gave to him, the director immediately ordered to take a screen test. He was satisfied as I came out successful in the test. When he narrated the story which impressed me a lot, I gave my consent to act in the film. In fact, Sasi who was already in the contention for the hero's slot. When I sought the permission of my father, he readily gave his approval for my entry into the film world. He also came forward to offer his helps in this regard.

Prior to this, I was under the impression that only the sons of the already established Cinema celebrities has the chance of becoming the heroes. Therefore even now, I am unable to believe that I have actually stepped into the celluloid world. More over it is a wonder of wonders that Oscar films have not introduced any newcomer so far even as a technician, not to speak of a hero! And I have become the very first new face to be introduced as a hero by that film company. There were times when I have yearned to see the giant cut-outs of me. Now that my dream has come true, as I am delighted to learn that they would be putting up many attractive cut-out of my own, I remain grateful to the producer as well as the director. All glory to them!"

Are you aware that there are some essential qualifications required for a Cinema actor?

"For sure. Until sometime ago, I was just an ordinary spectator of films. But now that I have become a full-fledged film person and since film-acting has become my very tricks of the game. I have already started learning the indispensable ropes of the profession. Dancing comes naturally to me. Presently, I am undergoing valuable training in martial arts and learning the fighting techniques. The producer has invested crores of rupees relying upon me. Director Sasi who is staging a comeback after a conspicuous interval has pinned his hopes on me. So, it has become imperative on my part to increase my capabilities by leaps and bounds and to deliver the goods required of me. I am conscious of the fact that it is my bounden duty to do the producer and the director proud. I must bring laurels to them. That would be the right form of gratitude I should show to them".

In case you had not come to the world of movies…..?

"Perhaps I might have continued as a Cricketer or a model. I have always had a fascination for Cricket. I had captained my school team. I have played sub-divisional level matches in Cricket. My birthplace is Tirupathi but I am a Tamilian by all means. Even now many people doubt whether I am a Tamilian at all. But it is true that I am a Tamil, inch by inch. I have gravitated from Andhra Pradesh to Tamil Nadu as I felt that it is advisable for a Tamilian to live in his native state of Tamil Nadu as I felt that it is advisable for a Tamilian to live in his native State of Tamil Nadu. But the politics that prevailed in the arena of sports forced me to forego my cricketing dreams. Modelling lured me, then I could shine as a fine male model during my college days. I have won many prizes in proof of my prowess in modeling. Then I shifted gears and climbed up many steps to reach the position where I am now. I am waiting for a successful breakthrough in the tinsel world".

What do you have to say about today's Cinema?

"The film world is a place for intense competition. The movie-goers are in need of a variety of talents and tastes. It is very hard to please the movie-crazy people of the land. No film person can rest on his oars. They will have to be work-horses forever. No achievement would remain a milestone for long in this field. No one here can say for certain that his dream had been realized. It is an unending journey here when one want is satiated, another one crops up. One has to keep the eyes of his imagination ever open. One has to entertain in an edifying manner. One has to pursue excellence as a non-stop process. No one holds a permanent place of pride in the cinema industry. No one is irreplaceable on indispensable. One has to be a competitor here, always. But, in a way, this competition should be welcomed. For the healthy competition among the film makers alone can ensure the release of good movies."

"You have become a trend-setter in a sense. Following you entry, some more new faces have also been booked as heroes. What have you to say about this change?"

"Well, it is a case of Survival of the fittest. Many may come, but only the really talented can stand the test of time. The most talented among the contenders alone can make the grade and continue to hold a place in this show business"

How will you receive the seathing reviews of the media, especially because you are a newcomer to the film industry? Won't your freedom be at stake?

"For every plus there would be a minus beside. Being a movie hero adds glamour to your life. Your living becomes lucrative and enviable. You are entitled to a large fan-following. But you should be prepared to confront with some destructive criticism also. Every advantage has a disadvantage too. It is all a mixed bag. Above all, it is a boon to be in the public eye. One should be glad in drawing the attention of the media towards one.

My freedom would always be intact. By nature, I am a happy-go-lucky person. I am used to spend all my time with my friends. They understand me very well and are very helpful to me. So I don't expect to court any trouble."

What about Bhoomika?

"She is a popular actress among the movie-lovers. She did not show any kind of hesitation in acting alongside me. She gave me some valuable tips on acting too. There was no condescension about her. Nothing cinematic at all! She moved quite freely with me, without any hesitation."

Can you tell something about your role in 'Roja Koottam'?

"After hearing the story from the director of the film, I told him that the role simply reflected that of my original Character. The storyline reflected that of my original Character. The Storyline resembles that of my life 'Rojakoottam' tells how a light-hearted, pleasure-seeking youth turns into a matured, responsible person getting moulded by the force of circumstances."

You have found place in the list of Madhavans in the making. How do you feel about this?

"I don't approve of comparisons. I like to express myself only as Srikanth. I want to be on my own and to do my original bit. I have great respect for Madhavan. He is a fiery young man. Always, he bubbles and bustles. When I met him he had kind enquiries to make about me. He gave me a lot of advices. I aspire to meet all senior actors like Rajinikanth and Kamalhasan. I must at least shake hands with them if I can't have a heart-to-heart with them. I desire to do so, because I have an opportunity now to function as a colleague to the very actors whom I have adored on seeing them on the big screen. Indeed, I am happy for being able to hit big times."

What is your dream about the world of movies?

Superb films! Sterling roles! This is my filmy dream. I must scale heights. All should know who Srikanth is. How my mother wishes to see me on the Silver screen for the first time! I have to convert the dreams of many people near and dear to me into realities. I must be recognized as a talented actor. I must become a down-to-earth example of a common man who has made it big in the world of movies. I must be identified as a symbol of success by the vast multitude of movie-goers!

Being a cricket lover, whom do you consider your favorite cricketer?

"I would like to mention the names of a few cricketers such as Sachin Tendulkar, Wasim Akram, Waqar Younus and Srikanth. I have always imitated the style of Srikanth whenever I played as an opening batsman. Srikanth was the Sachin Tendulkar of yesteryear. He was as flamboyant and boisterous as Sachin in those days. Therefore I like him most!"