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V for Vikram

After years of struggle, Vikram is savouring his success, writes Saraswathy Nagarajan

Success did not come to him on a platter. The ingredients were all there - looks, talent and determination. But it took him years to get the right combination to savour the taste of success. The hunger for good roles and cinema is evident as superstar Vikram speaks of his movies, family and friends.

Tucking into breakfast comprising five egg whites, two slices of bread, and fruits, Vikram says: "My diet is decided by my role and the film that I am working on. Now, I am working on A.R. Rathnam's `Bhima.' As the name suggests, he is a tough character - mentally and physically. So, I need to put on some weight around my middle and look a little heavy.

"When I was doing `Sethu', I survived on egg whites, carrot juice and beetroot for a month. I lost 16 kg in less than 30 days. Director Bala told me that I should have just enough stamina to walk on to the sets. On the other hand for `Dhill', I was on 25 egg whites and one whole cooked chicken as I had to look bulky. I also employed a body builder to train me."

Passion for cinema

Perhaps, when one is dreaming of becoming an actor from the age of 13, this sort of dedication is nothing new. "As a student in Montfort School, Yercaud, I was forever doodling in my books, drawing fast cars and dreaming of the day when I would own one. I wanted to become an actor. Period."

Vikram feels that it must be in the genes. "My father, Vinod, had tried to make a career in films but failed. It must run in our blood because my son, Dhruv, now dreams of becoming an actor."

Here in the city for the Asianet Ujala Awards function, Vikram made it a point to keep in touch with his friends and colleagues in the Malayalam film industry where he had done small but not insignificant roles.

"As I am a great admirer of Kamalahasan, who hails from my place, Parmakudi, in Tamil Nadu, I decided to follow in his footsteps and act in Malayalam movies. I found that his acting had been honed by his exposure to Malayalam cinema. I gained a great deal by observing actors in Malayalam cinema. Even an actor with just one scene ensures that he steals the scene with his body language, eyes and tone. It was subtle but effective."

Films like `Dhruvam,' `Sainiam' and `Indraprastham' made him a familiar face to cine buffs in Kerala. But it was Kollywood that made him a superstar. The icing on the cake was the National Award for `Pithamagan' in 2004.

"Although films like `Pithamagan,' `Dhool' and `Sami' did well, it was `Annniyan' that asserted the fact that I had made it to the top."

His stupendous success in Tamil cinema has not blunted his appetite for offbeat roles that would give him an opportunity to showcase his prowess as an actor.

Offbeat themes

"I would love to act in Malayalam cinema, provided the role is good. Directors like Blessy, Joshi ettan, Sibi Malayalil... there are so many directors who can carry a film with offbeat topics and still make it work at the box office," he says.

However, he admits that he "chickened off" from trying his luck in Bollywood. "I did get a couple of offers. But I felt that if I spend the same amount of time in South India, I might get better roles and films."

As film directors Blessy and Rajiv Anchal drop in to meet the star, the three get into an animated discussion of movies.

Speaking in accented Malayalam he lavishes praise on `Thanmatra.' "My wife, Shaila, loved it. She is a Malayali."

Is that how he learned Malayalam?

"No. I picked it up when I was working in Malayalam films. But it is Shaila who keeps me grounded. She has not changed from the days I was a struggling actor and that keeps the family firmly rooted to terra firma. Similarly, I must thank my in-laws, Balakrishnan and Narayani, who have always been supportive. Whether I was an also-ran or a star, I was always Kenny to them."

Vikram avers that while he relishes the popularity and adulation, he has to keep working on his films to live up to the expectations of his fans. Dwelling upon his favourite kind of characters he says, "I prefer thrillers and action movies." Drinking from the cup of fame does not seem to have intoxicated him, but it seems to have whetted his appetite for roles that showcase Vikram the actor's range and versatility.

His craving for cinema seems insatiable as he says, "I will always be in cinema. But never as a fading star. Like Amitabh, I will do thatha (grandfather) roles, be a villain or clown but movies will remain my lifeline."

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