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It's party time

Shashank is determined to do meaningful cinema

Shashank (right) in a still from the movie `Party' with his co-stars

With absolutely no acting background, Shashank found himself on screen in 2003 when Aithe hit the bull's eye. The 26-year-old actor says he did the right thing by staying idle for six months because it was only then Rajamouli offered him Sye that made him a household name. "I took a reality check and decided to commit myself to work that would excite me. It isn't really my fault that such projects are very few in number. Also, I am building a CV of serious standing. Now that all my films are a hit, I'm in a position where I can experiment with roles. There is no insecurity because this industry is a huge, vibrant and warm place to work and everybody has a place under the sun," says the actor.

Shashank played the dark, brooding and confused cabbie in Anukokunda Oka Roju. He says "I had to maintain the same mood and tempo throughout the film. It required homework to get into a different body language. In Party you will find me doing all sorts of crazy things, my character is completely wacky . With Ravi Babu's help I could pull it off."

Ask Shashank if scarce work scares him? He says, "Strangely, scarce work is a welcome proposition. I want to be proud of my films. It is much better to show your kids 10 good films than to make excuses to them about why you made 20 bad ones. Again, good or bad doesn't reflect commercial success. I judge films on how they justify my conviction in them. It is hugely gratifying when they do."

So far Shashank has worked in meaningful cinema, does that mean he loathes running around trees? "I'm looking forward to work in a challenging milieu, look and character, and the thought of deglamourising myself doesn't bother me a bit. At the same time I am open to doing a commercial film. I just want to be the best actor out there, and win on all levels," he says.

Y. SUNITA CHOWDHARY

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