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`I just strayed into acting'
PHOTO: VINO JOHN
Meet soap stars Chetan and Deepa Venkat, who remote control peoples' lives. Serial buffs not only love to laugh and cry with them but also plan their evenings around their prime time performances. Popular by their screen names Sneha (in "Roja") and Manickam (in "Metti Oli"), they appeal to all ages and classes. The duo have had a big impact on the small screen.
They started off almost a decade ago as dubbing artistes (Chetan had made unsuccessful attempts at acting and direction in Bangalore, before moving to Chennai) for Hindi and English films and ads. The next stop was Kavithalaya (K. Balachander's production house) and the next step, acting in serials. While "Marmadesam" proved to be Chetan's big break in the teleworld, Deepa gave acting a serious shot with "Kai Alavu Manasu". With "Metti Oli", which had a dream run of three-and-a-half years, Chetan became a favourite with the family audience. And he hopes his next serial, Vasant's "En Thozhi En Kadali En Manaivi" on Star Vijay will also get good TRPs. The charming Deepa is proving her versatility by playing totally different characters in "Roja" and "Kolangal". Both take a break from their mega serials for a Take-Two. Chitra Swaminathan records the exchange at Painted Platters restaurant.
Deepa: People will be amazed to see the ever-grumpy Manickam smile so much in the photograph. Sadly, they don't know how funny you are most of the time. How did you manage to project that grouchy image for three-and-a-half long years?
Chetan: That's acting, baby. It can be tiring and monotonous. But nothing matters when you look at the fame and recognition it has fetched. After years of struggle to make it as an actor, I couldn't have asked for more.
Deepa: Then how do you react to criticism generally associated with long-running soaps - dragging storyline, acting style becoming stale and so on?
Chetan: They complain, yet cannot resist watching. So, I don't usually give it much thought. Self-analysis is the best. I look for real-life inspiration to give life to my performances and characters. Even Manickam had different shades to him. He would behave differently in different situations — at the workplace, with his mother, wife, sister and brother.
Deepa: After all a role is a role. Some people say they cannot relate to situations and characters portrayed in serials. But I think such incidents do happen. Most modern women may feel my role in "Roja" is regressive because my lover ill-treats me, yet I am not ready to give up on him. Modernity has got nothing to do with emotions. Even today relationships mean more than anything else to most of us. It's just that for an added impact on the screen, some dramatic elements are infused into real-life situations. Do you regret not being able to make it on the big screen?
Chetan: Not anymore. Doing meaty roles in serials is better than doing something insignificant in films. Of course, it's sad that TV actors here never get film offers. Just see the rave reviews Hindi television stars Irfan Khan and Pankaj Kapoor have got for "Maqbool". Or for that matter Sachin Khedekar in "Astitva" and now in Shyam Benegal's "Bose". And don't forget King Khan (Shah Rukh) is a television actor.
Deepa: I totally agree. I have done a few films, including "Dhil" in which I had quite a good role as Vikram's sister. I even got to do a song. But after that nothing exciting came my way. I am not so desperate to fill in the sister's slot permanently. I just strayed into acting. My mother was keen that I give it a try when I got some offers from Kavithalaya. I was still in school then. With time, Kavithalaya became my second home and first school. Today, if I am able to mouth dialogue without prompting and emote with ease before the camera it is because of the strong foundation laid there.
Chetan: No denying the fact that those were the good days of television. Private channels were just beginning to happen. Most serials had 13 or 26 episodes. There were also those unique weekly serials introduced by Kavithalaya. Stories had more depth and were narrated crisply.
Deepa: In mega serials, you don't have a story on hand. You just know the ending. But you don't know how you are going to reach it. There are several twists and turns depending on the feedback you get from viewers. Everything depends on TRPs.
Chetan: These serials are driven by characters, not incidents. A set of characters will take the story ahead. Actually mega serials have proved to be a boon not just for many aspiring actors but also technicians. Several defunct studios have got a fresh lease of life too.
Deepa: Television is a comeback vehicle for veteran artistes, many of whom have got more recognition here.
Chetan: That's the reason the television industry is being taken so seriously today, be it for entertainment or information. Viewers are becoming discerning. Now they are programme loyal and not channel loyal. That's the reason despite a deluge of serials, only a handful click.
Deepa: Your wife too is a television actor (Devadarshini). Can two actors live without ego hassles as a couple?
Chetan: There will be squabbles. But you tend to understand each other's work pressure better. We learn to value the time we are together because it doesn't happen too often. Also, only a family member can be your true critic, which helps better your skills. Drawing any inspiration?
Deepa: Why not? But marriage can wait for some time. I want to do some more work before settling down.
Chetan: Hope that Take Two happens soon and then will begin the mega serial of your life. (ha, ha ha... )
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