Passion for the screen

How many times has one met a hotelier who loves to act, and has dabbled in theatre, television and films. And that is not just it — the man is also a voice-over artiste who can sing. Kamal Kumar Ghimiray is a man who fits the description.

My first question to him is about his early days and if he always wanted to be an actor. “Yes! I started acting in plays in Delhi when I was only four, so I did a lot of Hindi and English stage productions. I also initially acted and directed plays including Prithviraj ki Ankhein and The Man with the Bowler Hat. So yes, I was bitten by the acting bug quite early.”

Incidentally, despite studying at Ajmer Military School, Kamal, unlike his peers, veered towards performing arts rather than the Army. His first break came from renowned theatre actor and director M K Raina. “He chose me for the prominent role of Raidas in the famous play Kabira Khada Bazaar Mein. There was a lot of singing involved, and I thoroughly enjoyed it. In fact, the play did over 800 shows, and I learnt a lot from the experience.” Having worked as a full-time hotelier, Kamal says that things are now changing with several offers coming in from both Bollywood and Sandalwood.  

The big break

After moving to Bengaluru four years ago, Kamal started getting acting offers, and his first break in Sandalwood came through director Giridev Gowda. “He was reluctant to meet me as he had some senior actor in mind, but a common friend persuaded him to meet me and I auditioned for him. I was immediately finalised for the role.” The movie Zero Made In India, which is in the post-production stages now, is based on a father-son relationship. “Playing the role of an English teacher and working with kids was a great experience. I must specifically mention child actor Madhusudan, who has great timing and is a wonderful actor.” He has also acted in the Kannada film Prapti, directed by Mahesh Babu. 

Kamal will soon be seen in the Hindi film Julie 2. “I went to receive prominent director Deepak Shivdasani at the airport and was accompanied by a common friend. Deepak was here to finalise some locations in Bengaluru, and within five minutes of knowing me he said, ‘You are working in my movie’. With that I got break in Bollywood.” Julie 2 will be a murder mystery, and Kamal will essay the role of a cop alongside actor Aditya Shrivasta of television series CID fame. This apart, Kamal admits he has been receiving several offers from both the industries. Kamal’s extensive knowledge of the stage has helped him evolve as an actor, and he admits that theatre remains his first love. “Theatre is the base for any good actor. Anyone who wants to act should start here. I learnt a lot from all the seniors in Mandi House in Delhi, with all other actors and students of National School of Drama.” 

Kamal has acted in several TV commercials, and is also a voice over artiste for ad films and radio. He says that working across various mediums helps him hone his acting skills. And his mantra to select work is simple. “For me, everything depends on the story. So if the story has substance, something good to offer, the right emotions and a social message, I would do it.” 

He is especially grateful to the Kannada film industry and says, “I would like to thank the industry for accepting me, and giving me a lot of respect as an actor. People here are wonderful, simple, humble, and hardworking. They have so much talent, but I guess we also need good financers to back big budget movies.” He is looking forward to work with established names in both Sandalwood and Bollywood.