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An Interview With Sriram

APK | August 12, 2006

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We had a chat with Telugu guy/Tamil star Sriram. After a successful 'Okariki Okaru,' many offers poured in but as luck would have it, his fire accident during a stunt for the movie left him hospitalized and unable to work for a long time. Recovered and rejuvenated, the young actor is bouncing back signing two Telugu movies including one with Venkatesh and Trisha as his co-stars in an upcoming triangular-love story. The man is grounded, enthusiastic and raring to prove himself yet again in his own land.

Your connection to Hyderabad..

I was born and brought up here, and my schooling was at BVB. Both my parents worked here and my elder brother went to OU. I shifted to Chennai in 1993, but this is where I grew up and my earliest memories in life are in Hyderabad.

How did films happen?

I'm from a totally non-filmi background. I was modelling in Chennai along with other models (turned into actors now) like Trisha, Gayatri and others. In fact, I and Trisha did several shows together after she won the Miss Chennai title. When I was doing my MCA first year, director Kadir (of 'Prema Desam' fame) spotted me in a paper ad I modelled for and took me on for 'Roja Kootam' ('Roja Poolu' in Telugu).

At that time, there was no seriousness. I was in college and pretty excited about getting a movie offer, thinking how cool it'll sound in my peer group and with my friends. After a year the team dropped me saying that I looked like a north Indian, since I did not have a moustache and beard at that time. My father told me not to give up, and I felt that I should pursue it.

Being a Telugu guy, how does it feel to be accepted in another state?

That's the greatness of cinema-it doesn't make a difference who I am, where I am from, what my caste is or what kind of a background I've got. All that matters is if you've got talent, and whether people like you or not. Our job is to entertain, and the audience only seeks entertainment. There are no boundaries or barriers such as language. For me, Tamil Nadu is my adopted state, and I feel at home there. Of course, Hyderabad was the place my up-bringing took place and hence holds a special place in my heart. I'd like to return here and establish myself in my home town.

Rajnikanth and Vikram share this in common with you-they are not Tamilians either but are adored there. Your experience.

They both had to work their way up and they both had to slog. They are two exceptionally good performers who had to climb up the hard way. In that respect, I've been lucky to get roles easily. But the truth is, I see each movie as my first one. I give it my best, and never let any success get to my head. I never let myself take a performance easy or become lazy-each role needs all my efforts.

How was the experience of working in 'Okariki Okaru' and the feedback you got?

I'm surprised that after two years, people still recognize me and appreciate my work in 'Okariki Okaru'. The whole team of Anandi Arts and director Rasool is who I want to thank-it was very nice working with them.

Why did you take the risk of performing your own stunts?

People pay to watch us do those histrionics, and I believe that they should get to see me do it and not a dupe. I agree even the stuntmen and dupes should have work, but I wanted to do my own stunts as long as I think I can manage it, which is most of the time. And, after all, what is life without some risks? But after the fire accident while performing that stunt, I missed out on Mani Ratnam's 'Yuva' and 'Amma Nanna O Tamil Ammayi'.

So, now all that's behind. When are you planning to do another straight Telugu flick?

Right now! There is a movie (Aduvari Matalaku Ardhale Verule) lined up with director Selva Raghavan (Sri Raghava) starring Venkatesh, Trisha and myself and is a love triangle. I figured that as I'm returning to Telugu I need a secure team, and for me Selva is a fabulous director and I'm happy about bagging this particular role.

There is another movie with producer SK Basheed and director Ram Reddy which is a totally commercial, youth-oriented movie. The rest of the cast and crew are still being finalized.

Doesn't being in Venkatesh's shadow make you insecure?

No, it doesn't. He is much, much senior to me and I'm willing to learn some pointers while working with him. Also, I have confidence in myself as an actor. There is no insecurity here, although I'm mostly seen in solo-hero projects, there is nothing wrong with playing alongside another actor.

What is the difference between Telugu and Tamil industry, now that you've seen them both?

For me, Tamil industry is where I earn my bread and butter. Adi naku annam pette field. I love working there and am very happy with whatever roles I've donned. One thing about the Telugu industry is that the audiences here love cinema-for them it's the only form of entertainment. Irrespective of others' opinions, families watch movies and acknowledge true talent without any bias. Hats off to their thought, their healthy response and their ardent love for cinema. Right now VCD piracy is less here compared to other states, and I hope that's how it'll stay and if possible, be completely eradicated. And the hospitality that they give here is just great.

So what roles would you prefer? The romantic lover-boy kinds or the action-based ones?

I want to do a variety of roles and prove my versatility. Producer Basheed's movie has a lot of action while in Selva Raghavan's movie my role has both action and romance. I'd rather not be typecast.

Quick Takes...

Birthday 28 February.
Favorite Actors Kamal Hassan and Chiru.
Favorite Directors Puri Jagannath and Shekhar Kammula among others.
Favorite Movies Ghayam, Gulabi and Geetanjali.
Hobbies Watching movies.
Love Life I love being infront of the camera.

And does the camera love you back?

Of course, that's why I'm here!