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Behind the scenes

As super stars go on to create history, there are make up men behind working their on-screen looks

Make-up time Shiva has been with Chiranjeevi since `Pranam Khareedu'

The lights shine bright and the screen gods descend for their work before they stoop to conquer. While they go on to create history, the men behind their on-screen looks remains in the background. It is the make-up man who changes the persona of an artiste and makes him look younger, older or wicked to suit a particular role.

For most make-up men their work is memorable and very often underrated. And more importantly, they share an unspoken bond with the actors whom they meet day in and out.

One of the most renowned make-up artiste is Raghava, 49 years, who has render his services to Telugu cinema for 33 years. His was journey was riddled with struggles, but his diligence and determination saw him through.

He says, "I started my career as an assistant to Ramakrishna and moved on to doing make-up for many stars. I am working with Venkatesh since his debut in 1986 with Kaliyuga Pandavalu." Similarly, Shiva has been with Chiranjeevi since his first film, Pranam Khareedu and shares a special relationship with him.

"He has given me many gifts, but what I value the most is when he puts his arms around my shoulder," he says. He recalls an incident in Chennai when the Megastar's parents had come to take to his finger measurement for buying a ring. Chiranjeevi, who was very busy then, said to them, "The entire day I'm in costumes, what will I do wearing rings and chains. But if you insist, take Shiva's measurement as he's the one who wears my them when I'm on the sets" adds Shiva.

Though make-up techniques have changed a lot over the years, Chiranjeevi prefers to retain him for emotional reasons. He says, "It is very comforting to work with a staff who has been with me through thick and thin."

Shiva has also faced wrath from him many a times. "But it lasts only for five minutes. After work, I am a member of his family," he adds.

Raghava won the Nandi award in 1998 for best make-up for actor Kota in the film Ganesh. "We work in proximity, but we never cross our limits. But there are times when we lose our jobs without knowing the reason, so we have to be very careful with our behaviour," he points out.

He keeps himself updated with the latest in make-up. "I even subscribe to a bi-monthly magazine from the US to keep myself informed," he says.

But it does bother the make-up men when the industry doesn't look after them during their lean periods, when they are injured or have retired due to age. The make-up men have started a charitable trust called Sri Roopa Kalpana to deal with emergency situation of a member. "We have collected some amount so far and we request like-minded people to contribute as well.

The donations are tax free," explains Raghava. (Tel: 9848132006)."

The make-up artistes are sure to keep pulling out surprises from their make-up kits. But for them it's more than just a cosmetic success.

Y. SUNITA CHOWDHARY

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