Tamil Nadu   

"I still have a long way to go"

S.R.Ashok Kumar

Charle

Actor Charle started his career as a comedian but has also played character done some good characters in Tamil moves. Charle talks about his early days, his present work and his future assignments.

Personally, I am a serious person but professionally a comedian. In real life I get angry very rarely.

I was working as an artist in the song and drama division of the Information and Boardcasting ministry. One morning, director K. Balachander called me to act in the film "Poikal Kudirai". Normally, one would work with some established actors. But I was fortunate to work with poet Vaalee.

The first time before the camera, I did not even realise it had been filmed. I was standing in the same place when KB sir coolly said, "Why are you standing there.

There is a long way to go." That was so true. I went from one film to other after that.

My first two films did not do well at the box office. But the great director encouraged me and my third film "Poovilangu" was a success. The film ran for 285 days.

I have acted in more than 500 films in Tamil and one each in Telugu and Hindi.

I have acted in a number of films as a college student. Recently, I became student myself. After completing my post graduation, I am currently pursuing my M.Phil at Karaikudi Alagappa University.

I love my job very much. I have worked with all the top directors of Tamil cinema including K. Balachander, Mani Ratnam, Shankar, Balu Mahendra and the recent crop of young filmmakers.

My favourite films include "Vannakanavugal", "Poove Unakkaga", "Oru Veedu Iru Vasal", "Vettrikodi Kattu", "Nyayatharasu", "Oru Oril Oru Rajakumari", "Sigaram" and "Varusam 16".

I should have got the national award for "Vettrikodi Kattu" where I missed it by few votes and an international recognition for "Nanba Nanba", which was sent to the Cannes film festival.

I like all my colleagues and illustrious predecessors. I admire and respect Chandrababu, Nagesh and V.K.Ramaswamy. Among women, my favourites are T.P. Muthulakshmi and Kanthimathi.

I am yet to achieve much in the profession. An actor should not search for a role. Rather, the roles should come to him. The day directors think I am the only person who can perform a particular character, that would be the first of my achievements.

Printer friendly page  
Send this article to Friends by E-Mail

Stories in this Section

"I still have a long way to go"
Housing Board favours attractive package to landowners
14 more parking bays planned at Chennai airport
Coop bank staff plea
Medha joins protest against nuclear project
Shah disapproves of lawyers' agitation
Pay attention to economics: Chelliah
Briefly

Copyright © 2007, The Hindu. Republication or redissemination of the contents of this screen are expressly prohibited without the written consent of The Hindu