CineGoer.com - APK's Interviews

Home > APK's Interviews > Sharwanand

An Interview With Sharwanand

APK | June 6, 2006

He first caught our attention in the Thumps Up ad with the megastar himself. And after a spate of solo and multi hero projects which didn't really hit bull's-eye, Sharwanand appeared in a guest role in 'Shankardada MBBS' which Jimmy Shergill did in 'Munnabhai MBBS,' and then people sat up and took notice of this youngster. Finally, with the psycho character in 'Vennela' which he donned, he proved he is not just another face, and is here to stay-so CineGoer.com caught up with him in a telephonic interview to talk about his life, his movies and his future. He came across as extremely easy-going and simple. Luckily we caught him in a chatty mood.

We don't know anything about Sharwanand till he became an actor.

I always wanted to become an actor, ever since I was a child. And to pursue that dream, I went to Mumbai to get trained as an actor when I was 17. It was a three month course.

What happened next?

While I was doing my BCom, The Hindu had a 'Best New Face' competition. And I was selected. I even said that Chiranjeevi garu is my role-model.

How did the first break happen?

After my training, I was looking for roles. I just wanted to do something-but I kept getting thrown out of offices, and my confidence levels touched an all-time low. I thought that maybe I'm not cut out for the profession, maybe I cannot act.

So I went to Vizag and took up the acting course at Satyanand Institute.

So Sharwanand lands up in Satyananad. What clicked?

A screen test clicked. I was selected as the hero ('solo hero', he adds) for a movie called 'Aidova Roju'.

Fantastic. No movie background, no contacts. So you made it on merit.

Yes. My father is a businessman-we are from a business family. When I was doing the rounds of production houses, I was so tired that I asked my dad to help me by producing a movie. He said clearly that he doesn't know anything about movies so he will not come into this profession.

But your career didn't really take off after your debut.

No.. Aidova Roju ran for exactly five days. It was a disaster. So I was back to going around production offices. There were no offers, nothing came along.

Struggle, struggle…but then the Thumps Up ad happened.

Yes, the Thumps Up ad with my role model, my inspiration Chiranjeevi! I was elated at it, and that was my turning point.

So how did you feel when you saw yourself on screen?

For 'Aidova Roju,' that was my first time in front of the camera. When I saw myself on the big screen, I thought I was really bad.

That's an honest confession! What do you think now?

I've learnt a lot now. From then to now, it has been an eventful journey.

After my first movie which was a solo hero project, I thought I had to do only the lead role, and nothing less. So when I was offered bit roles, I was unhappy. Now I'm so happy I accepted those roles. As Sumanth's friend in Gowri, as one of the lead characters in Yuvasena, as the psycho character in Vennela and more than anything, my role in Shankadada MBBS and in Lakshmi brought me recognition. People knew my face because of these bit roles-they were bit roles, but substantial to the plot and they were big movies with big banners, so the viewer ship is more, and my visibility increased. Now I'm happy I've done those roles.

But when solo hero projects come your way?

It depends. See, last year I was idle for six months; I rejected four solo hero movies because they were new banners. I wanted to do movies only with established banners. I think that was a good decision.

How was it working with stars like Chiranjeevi and Venkatesh?

I came to understand a lot of things about the industry. More than anything, working with them made me realize how it's so important to be down-to-earth and grounded in this field to come up-they are such big stars, yet so humble and extremely sincere. Just watching them work for those three or four months teaches you so much.

Jimmy Shergill's role in Munnabhai MBBS got many accolades. What was the response for your role in Shankardada MBBS?

When I go anywhere, people recognize me now only because of Shankardada MBBS, Lakshmi and Sankranti. If I play the main lead in a movie with a new crew, the impact is small. But if I don a small but important role like this in a big movie, then people sit up and take notice.

So where are we seeing you next?

Veedhi is all set for release this month, with Gopika. It's produced by Ushakiron Movies. Gunnam Gangaraju's (Little Soldiers, Anukokunda Oka Roju) Just Yellow Media Pvt. Ltd.'s Amma Cheppindi with Sriya Reddy (popular Southern Spice VJ) is releasing next month. In Veedhi, I have a comical role and Amma Cheppindi-sorry, I cannot reveal any details about it.

How was it working with Just Yellow?

The team's superb! They are all so open, and I'm able to experiment and express my views. Everyone is just so comfortable-it's my best team yet!

Now that you've dabbled in different kind of roles, what are you looking forward to doing more?

I just want to become a good actor. People should say-'This guy can do any character'. That's what I really want. I'm looking forward to doing some serious character.. not necessarily a mass character (he adds that hastily, which means 'I want to play a mass hero role and become a star', so we point that out to him).

(For that he says)

Well, that's not what I meant. Anyways, who doesn't want to become a star but that's just one's luck. Every actor would love to become a star.

(We debate about that point a little bit, so we change the topic)

Tell us about your family and your love life.

We are a close-knit business family. And my love life? I don't have one right now.

How was it working with Sriya Reddy and Gopika?

(He gets suspicious of this question, so we hurriedly assure him we are just asking generally-no harm meant)

They are nice girls and it was nice working with them.

How's it being an actor? Is this what you always wanted?

Yes, my childhood dream. And I love what I'm doing.

Okay, now for some general questions.

Birthday: March 6.
Best Asset: Family and friends (Mushy, eh?).
Favorite Actors: Chiru, who else?
Favorite Movies: Apadbhandavudu, Swayamkrushi.
Favorite Music: Rehman's compositions.
Favorite Director: Maniratnam.
Favorite Food: Continental.
Hangouts: Fusion 9, Mainland China.
First Crush In School: HPS (He wouldn't say her name)

Finally, what does your name mean?

Sharwanand means 'Always happy'.

Are you always happy?

I try to be (He adds with a smile).