Srikanth: Breaking the jinx

Srikanth, a virtual nobody in Film Nagar, Hyderabad, bludgeoned his way to the top bracket by sheer determination. A graduate from the Madhu Film Institute, Hyderabad, Srikanth started off as a small-time villain before coming into the limelight with 'One By Two', a slapstick comedy. He followed it up with the smash-hit 'Taj Mahal', a love story produced by the veteran, D Ramanaidu. And then, there was no looking back for this debonair star, as hits like 'Pellisanddi, 'Aame', 'Vinodam', 'Egire Paavurama', to name a few, followed one after the other.

However, after a series of super hits, Srikanth's career took a beating last year and the jinx almost continued, with much expected movies such as 'Anaganaga O Ammayi', 'Pillanachindi' and 'Panchadara Chilaka' failing to live up to expectations. But Srikanth rose like a phoenix with D Ramanaidu's 'Preyasi Raave', a love story set in the pattern of the evergreen theme, 'Devadas'. A brief encounter with the sought-after star of Telugu filmdom.

With such a busy shoot schedule, it must be tiring to shuttle between Chennai, your "Sasural", and Hyderabad, your work place?

I understand what you mean. My wife and child returned to Hyderabad, now that my toddler son Roshan is six months old. Apart from movies, my life revolves around them only, you know (smiles).

Coming to films, are you disappointed with your recent starrers faring not so well at the box office unlike in 1997 when you ruled and were tipped as the next super star?

Really! I did know that 1997 was my best year in films, but I never had the least idea of being tipped as the super star. I don't give much importance to these tags. All I want is to be in the reckoning and see a smile on my producers' faces. But I've to admit that I was quite disappointed with some of the expected films failing to click. But then, you cannot write me off. I am confident of bouncing back. Mercifully 'Preyasi Raave' came my way, thanks to D Ramanaidu who shaped my career with 'Taj Mahal'.

Many are of the view that compared to your age and experience in films, the role of a jinxed lover you have enacted in 'Preyasi Raave' is very heavy. How could you carry it so well?

Skeptics always have their say. But I am grateful to D Ramanaidu and to debutante director Chandra Mahesh for bestowing faith in me. This film proved that apart from the role of a fun-loving youth, I could play serious roles with aplomb too.

We hear that Chiranjeevi visited you after watching 'Preyasi Raave'?

It is still unbelievable for me. When I think of that incident my mind becomes a bundle of joy. It was mid-night in the last week of November. The mega star had seen the premier of 'Preyasi Raave' with his family. He was so moved by my performance, he found out where I'll be at that time. I was shooting for Editor Mohan's film. In that chilly weather he came to the sets, hugged me and congratulated me for my performance. It was a touching moment in my life that I can never forget. What is the necessity for such a great actor to come so far in the night to pat me? That's what makes him great. This is the compliment I cherish most.

Are you superstitious?

Before coming to the industry, I did not have any such belief. But the film industry is such a peculiar place; you start believing about luck and allied things. For, here just one day can re-write one's history. I mean the Friday! (Generally films are released on this day). I came to this industry with the fond hope of becoming a hero, but I got villain roles. Then I graduated into a hero. I saw big hits. People surrounded me. I also gave big flops. I found the difference around my surroundings then. Whether hits or flops, I haven't changed. I don't think or behave that I am a big hero. I am a normal person like any normal human. So nothing affects me. I put in the same effort in every film. If your film clicks they say your 'time' is good. Otherwise they call it bad times. Perhaps that's why this industry is called 'vichitra' (strange) industry!

Believe it or not, I did. I had faith in my talent. I quit signing negative roles the moment I signed my first film as hero, P Ramoji Rao's 'People's Encounter'. When my first release as a hero, 'One By Two' turned a hit, I knew my stand was vindicated.

Moving away from the soft hero, you tried to do an action thriller 'Nidhi'. But the film didn't do well. Are you still harping on a change of image from a softy to a macho man?

I do not want to call it a change of image, but the urge to prove the actor in me. 'Nidhi' was an unfortunate thing. We put in our best efforts but something went wrong and the audience rejected it. As I told you I am game for challenges. Watch out for my forthcoming movie with ace director Krishnavamsi, which is an action thriller. With the touch of Vamsi I hope to come up triumphant this time around.

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