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The will to win!
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‘Crazy’ Venkatesh’s never-say-die approach has taken him places
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PICTURE OF GRIT ‘Crazy’ Venkatesh
Innumerable ailments plague him but M.B. Venkatesan, better known as ‘Crazy’ Venkatesh, transcends them all with a mindset that’s invincible. His never-say-die approach to life should take him places. The aftermath of the kidney tra
nsplant four years ago has made him almost immobile, his eyesight needs constant attention and aural capabilities are failing. But nothing has curbed his zest or future plans.
Range of services
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 artistes. 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. 30,000 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. 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 an associate of director Kanthan, for the film “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.
“Once I get a chance to direct a film, I’ll get myself a wheel chair and then there can be no stopping me,” he chuckles. “ When I’m born again, I’m sure I’ll be a dancer.”
MALATHI RANGARAJAN
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