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Versatile actor Atul Kulkarni, who is known for his exceptional roles and intense performances, is all set to appear in three Kannada films. He will be seen in Nande with Sri Murali, Yogesh’s Yaksha and Om Prakash Rao’s AK 56. Atul’s tryst with the Kannada industry started with Bhoomi Geetha, directed by Kesari Haravu.
But post that, Atul strayed away from Sandalwood for a decade. In 2007, he made a solid comeback in Aa Dinagalu.
“After Aa Dinagalu, I didn’t get the right kind of projects. I take the story and the film-maker into account while picking out my roles. All these films looked relevant in the present situation and the directors too, are experienced film-makers. So I agreed to play these characters,” says Atul.
Atul has substantial roles in all the three films and he is quite happy about them. “In Nande, I play the son of a corrupt minister, who is against his father’s unlawful activities. Yaksha is a youth-oriented story where I play a don. And in AK 56, Om Prakash Rao has cast me as a terrorist,” explains Atul.
Plenty of offers are coming his way, but Atul is being extremely choosy.
“I don’t want to waste my energy doing run-of-the-mill projects just for the sake of building filmography. I pick up stories which excite me and nurture my acting prowess. I am satisfied whenever I act in a role with substance, irrespective of whether the film is a hit or a flop,” he adds.
Atul, who is also a two-time National Award-winner, doesn’t deny the possibility of directing a film. “I have kept that option open. But I don’t know when and how it will materialise. As of now, I am happy being an actor and I don’t have any concept or story in my mind to work with.”
Atul also doesn’t reveal the language in which he will make his directorial debut.
“For me, it’s not the language that’s crucial, it’s the subject. If I finalise my subject, the language is automatically chosen,” he clarifies.
Atul’s dream is to essay the role of Buddha. “The personality and the teachings of Buddha have always fascinated me. I practice his technique of meditation Vipashana and it has been very useful for me. I read a lot about Buddha and his preachings and I am looking forward to such an offer,” he laughs.
An introvert by nature, Atul balances his professional and personal life pretty well and it is the work that helps him come out of his shyness.
“Acting makes me forget everything and I become one with the character. As an actor, I have to travel a lot and constantly go out of the city. But I have got a wonderful family, which understands me and my work. This gives me immense strength to work harder,” he signs off.