JOIN USHe is the son of well-known actor Devaraj, and at 28, has already completed 20-plus films in his prolific career that started in 2007. As I catch up with Prajwal Devaraj, I am charmed by his easy-going nature and his ability to strike the right notes with his friendly style of conversation.
Growing up as the son of an ace actor, Prajwal admits that acting was always on his mind. “For every child, his father is the first hero, and in my case, my dad was both my real and reel hero. I was fascinated by the attention he got from people. However, as a child, I was an introvert and I subdued my desire to act and did all the acting imitations behind closed doors, in front of a mirror. In fact, no one knew that I wanted to be an actor. I completed my BBM and was all set to do my Master’s and open a chain of restaurants when I landed my first offer,” he reminisces.
Filmi journey
Prajwal made his debut with the Kannada film Sixer in 2007 for which he won the Best Debut Actor award at the Suvarna Film Awards. “In fact, when director Shashank had asked my dad for signing me for a movie, my dad had said no. But I convinced him that I would act and pursue my studies at the same time. Naturally, I was a bundle of nerves at the premiere of the film and when my father told me that I was indeed an actor, I was really relieved.”
The youngster quickly followed this up with other films like Geleya (2007), Meravanige (2008), Gulama (2009), Murali Meets Meera (2011), Super Shastri (2013) and Galaate (2013), Jamboo Savari (2014), Neenade Naa (2014), Mrugashira (2015) and Arjuna (2015) among many others.
Prajwal says he likes roles that are performance-oriented and says that he particularly enjoyed shooting for Murali Meets Meera and considers Arjuna as his best role to date. So I ask him how he chooses his films and Prajwal explains, “I look at the entertainment value of the film. Also, I would not do a movie that gives out a wrong message to society as we need to be conscious as actors about the characters we portray. It is important that a wrong message is not sent out.” Again, with Sandalwood experimenting with novel subjects, Prajwal agrees that it is an exciting time to be part of the industry. Prajwal also interacts with his fans on the social media and is currently using it to help victims in rain-ravaged Chennai. “For me, social media is a platform to promote movies or share some personal details or use it in times when I can help others. I guess we need to use it with much caution as our comments can be misconstrued.”
Future projects
Prajwal has just completed the filming of Bhujanga that is currently in post-production and would likely be released within the next couple of months. “This was a different character for me. I play a petty thief who wears torn clothes and has long dishevelled hair, and I also sport a long beard. The role is interesting as he is a person who does not care about anyone and steals food and drink to last him a day. The story takes a turn when he falls in love with an educated girl and tries to change, and this is narrated in a humorous way.”
Prajwal also has Mada Mathu Manasi on the cards, which he says is a beautiful and adventurous love story. “The songs are great and the music by Mano Murthy is almost ready.” As I am about to wrap up, I ask him if there is something about him that people do not know and he admits that he is emotional. “I can cry on the silliest pretext. I do not have any secrets and I am an open book.” Well, it is safe to say that this young actor is ensuring that the future of Sandalwood is in good hands.