Multifaceted actor
SHOBA NAIR
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Actor Asokan is a familiar face on the big and small screen. He is a talented singer too.
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BEST OF BOTH WORLDS: Asokan is trying to juggle his time between films and serials. Photo: S. Gopakumar
He is known for his acting prowess. But Asokan is a talented singer too. This came as a pleasant surprise to many viewers of `Sangeethika,' a musical programme on Doordarshan.
"In fact, more than an actor, I had dreamed of being a playback singer," recalls Asokan who enjoys singing the melodious numbers of yesteryear.
"Earlier, I had done a few episodes for `Ganasamasya' in Asianet, and that led to an offer from Doordarshan." He adds that `Sangeethika' gives him great satisfaction, as the programme is an interaction with music lovers; it is an encouragement for those who have an ear for music.
Star presence in serials
Asokan made his debut on the small screen at a time when most stars shied away from serials. His first serial was `Thavalom' on Doordarshan in 1988. Since then, he has been a familiar face on the mini screen with serials like `Valayam,' `Jwala,' `Thaali,' `Manassu' and the present one, `Pavithra Bandham.'
"Too many episodes reduce the quality and if given a chance, I would like to be selective and act in serials and films as well," he says.
He admits, however, that, of late, he feels more comfortable in serials.
Asokan is also acting in Tamil serials. He made his debut in Tamil serials as a scheming businessman with a dual personality in `Chalanam' (2003). `Kanmani' on Star Vijay was his next serial in Tamil. At present, he is playing the role of a person who has two wives in `Munthani Mudichu.' This native of Chepad who was hesitant about settling in Chennai now admits that he loves the place.
Asokan hit the limelight, way back in 1979, right from his debut, in Padmarajan's first directorial venture `Peruvazhiambalam,' a film produced by Prem Prakash.
"At first, I was rejected by the film industry. Then, I received an invitation to act in `Peruvazhiambalam.'" Movies like `Oridathoru Fileman,' `Pranamom,' `Thoovanathumbikal,' `Arapattakettiya Gramathil,' `Season,' `Moonampakkom,' `Amarom,' `Ulladakom' saw him enact a wide range of characters with ιlan.
Some of his best roles were in K.G. George's `Yavanika' and `Irakal,' Hariharan's `Jalakom,' and of course Adoor Gopalakrishnan's `Anantharam,' in which he plays the hero opposite Shobhana.
"Most of the roles I did fell into my hands unexpectedly, and that is why I believe that time and luck are a major criteria than even talent."
Though he is more into the mini screen, Asokan says he has not ruled out films. He played a villain in a recent release, `Police.' He will begin shooting for another film in February.
Any awards?
"Not much that I can boast of. I was considered for an award for `Peruvazhiambalam.' But being just an adolescent, I could not be grouped either as a child or as an adult. `Amaram' and `Anantharam' also somehow did not click" he said and after a pause continued, "but I have no regrets. There are many great artistes, like Jagathy Sreekumar who have not got their due in terms of awards."
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