Bindaas... no we are not talking about the Kannada flick that is soon to hit the theatres, but of Sandalwood’s poster boy Ganesh. Meet him in person and you’ll know where Preetam (the character he played in the runaway hit ‘Mungaru Male’) and Gani (his character in ‘Gaalipata’) get their cool and the boy next door persona from. The man is a bundle of energy and fun and it is this attitude of his that transcends on screen, endearing him to all.
Post ‘Mungaru Male’ he was showered with praises and ‘Gaalipata’ only upped his already high spirits. Resting on past glory is not something Ganesh believes in but the memories of these flicks is something that will remain etched on him. “Mungaru Male had a strong script and team work only made it easier and enjoyable. There was also so much to learn from the experienced artistes who were on the set. But what worked for me was the fact that Yograj Bhat (director of ‘Mungaru Male’ and ‘Gaalipata’) was a friend. There was a lot of scope for discussion and improvisation. Also dialogues and humour has been our USP,” says Ganesh. ‘Gaalipata’ has also been a wonderful experience, worth all the hard work. But this time we knew that there would be comparisons. We hoped that it would be a superhit. I am very happy with the reactions that the film and my performance have received.
Yes, the lover boy image has worked well for our `Golden Star’ but ask him if he is not becoming a stereotype and he hits back, “but love stories are not something that you can get rid of and I have been experimenting with roles. Look at ‘Cheluvina Chitara’, it is a total contrast to what I played in ‘Mungaru Male’. In ‘Krishna’, I play an anchor, in ‘Hudugata’, a stylish guy and the character in ‘Gaalipata’ has comic shades to it. I’m playing a photographer in my upcoming movie ‘Aramane’. I agree that it is important to try new things. And I am definitely open to negative or even action oriented roles. We have a new breed of young film-makers coming in and with them they bring fresh ideas and genres. There is so much scope for innovation and that’s something I am open to. Ultimately, people want entertainment and I want to emerge as a good entertainer, whatever the role.”
And if your idea of total entertainment is watching Ganesh in Bhat’s movies, then you are assured at least one flick a year. Says Ganesh, who considers Bhat his `lucky mascot’. “We plan to come together for one movie every year. But I am also looking forward to working with as many film-makers as possible. There is something to learn from each one of them, I’m sure.” Ganesh will also be seen in a movie with Ramya. “It’s been great working with her. I remember the days when I was still a supporting actor and Ramya, a leading lady. Today, it feels really good to be acting with an actor of her repute,” he says. Surely Ganesh has come a long way and all the while raising the hopes of the youngsters wanting to make it big in the tinsel world. “I was lucky to have good friends, who were in this field. My TV experience helped me. But to make it big in this industry, one should be really be confident and possess a positive attitude. That’s what will work,” he signed off.
