Features: Magazine | Literary Review | Life | Metro Plus | Open Page | Education Plus | Book Review | Business | SciTech | Friday Review | Cinema Plus | Young World | Property Plus | Quest | Folio |

M.B. Venkatesan

The aftermath of the kidney transplant four years ago has made him almost immobile, (the lower part of his legs don’t function), his eyesight needs constant attention and aural capabilities are failing. But none has curbed his zest or future plans. The range of services this erstwhile actor offers stumps you.

His Sri Shivaalayam (Ph: 044-24362837; 98840 10136) email: srishivaalayam_5@yahoo.co.in undertakes ad and feature film production, event management of every kind, and managerial services for actors.

“I’m a casting director and an aspiring film director too,” he says and shows you a list of his clients. Meghna Naidu, Megha Nair, Preethi Jain, Sruthi … the list goes on. So if you are looking out for actors (hero, heroine or character roles), he supplies a host of names with pictures and bio-data, from his extensive database.

“My clientele includes more than 60 film artists. I don’t allow my physical condition to come in the way, and I’m very professional. After all, I’m from ‘Crazy’ Mohan’s school,” he says with pride.

Venkatesh needs Rs.30000 a month for medicines alone, to keep him going. “Every part of my body is a problem, but my brain works over time,” he laughs as you gape at him in wonder.

But at every turn, a helping hand comes to his aid. Friends from showbiz, colleagues from Punjab National Bank where he worked, charitable organisations, doctors and hospitals pitch in.

“My wife Sathya and family are a major support,” he adds.

After the hiatus his health condition forced on him, Venkatesh bounced back to work as associate director of ‘Jery.’

The International Film Exhibition in the city, in February last, saw him work as the event co-ordinator.

A successful sportsman from his school days, he is a childhood friend of actor-director Mouli, who introduced him to ‘Crazy’ Mohan.

“The only games I didn’t play were tennis and chess. My height was a big advantage,” he recalls.

The association with Mohan, which began some three decades ago, is still strong. “Crazy Creations contributed the entire collection of a show of theirs for my surgery,” he says.

He has toured the U.S. and Canada with the troupe and soon became a familiar face on the big screen too. But things came to a grinding halt when he fell seriously ill.

“I’m also trying for a chance to direct a film. Once it fructifies, I’ll get myself a wheel chair and then there can be no stopping me,” he chuckles.

“Another thing, I’ve always wanted to dance and never miss shows like ‘Jodi No.1.’ When I’m born again, I’m sure I’ll be a dancer.” The grit and confidence should teach cribbers among us a lesson or two!

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