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Cinema Plus
My first break
NASSERMALATHI RANGARAJAN
How it happened:
Nayakan, in which I played an assistant commissioner of police, wasn’t my first film, but definitely, it was my first break. When I heard there could be an opening for me in the project I tried hard to find a place in it. One fine day Mani Ratnam called me over for an audition and a screen test. I was very thin then. They gave me a police uniform that didn’t fit one bit. I naturally assumed it was a comedy role they had in mind for me. (Ha! Ha!)
How it felt: I knew I’d be acting with Kamal Haasan and working for Mani Ratnam. The excitement was immense. And I wanted to give my best. But I didn’t realise the impact of my role either when shooting or later when dubbing, because I got to see only my part in the film. I still remember the day it was premiered at Anand cinema. It was a memorable moment when Sridevi, my favourite heroine, walked up to me and congratulated me for my performance! My day was made. So was my future!
How life changed: The sad part is that it’s so easy for an actor to get stereotyped. Ninety per cent of the roles that came to me after Nayakan were that of policemen. I was disappointed. Again Kamal Haasan came as a godsend. He cast me in a variety of roles and here I am. Though I burnt my fingers as a producer, as an actor I’ve never had to look back, thanks to good times that began with Nayakan.
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