When I watched the preview of my latest release ‘99’, the remake of Tamil film ‘96’, I was instantly transported to my school and college days. I didn’t get such feelings when I was working on the movie but when I watched it from among the audience, a flood of memories came gushing.
I always wanted to be an actor. And somewhere, I worked towards it from my school days. I spent a better part of my growing up years in Nelamangala. I did my primary school in Basaveshwara English School in Dasarahalli and thereafter went to Standard English School and studied there till class ten. I topped the cultural activities in school and continued to lead the cultural team in college. I still remember that I was thrilled when anyone complimented that I sang or danced well. I loved all the attention. It made me feel like a star and this further strengthened my determination to become an actor.
I was told by many people who watched me perform in plays (both Kannada and English) that I am a natural performer. And that comes from my habit of rehearsing in front of the mirror. When I was in school and college, whenever I had a play, I would practise in front of the mirror. I would laugh, cry, express anger and even romance… all this helped me perfect the emotions.
My character of Ram in ‘99’ is one where I have not acted but have tried to be myself. You will see how naturally and organically the character unfolds. I was expected to underplay my emotions and focus on my performance. And I thoroughly enjoyed that experience which is quite different from the usual commercial films.
The title ‘99’ has an interesting story to it. Preetham Gubbi (director of ‘99’) and I go back a long way. He and I joined the Adarsha Film Institute on Coles Road in Bengaluru in 1999. He joined there wanting to be a technician and I came there determined to be a star. I would wake up early morning and exercise. And do everything that was necessary to become a star. I acted in as many plays as possible just to get noticed by a director, hoping that they would give me a chance. Now, 20 years later, the two of us have achieved exactly what we set out
to do.
Back in college, Preetham and I shared an apartment and hung out together. We shared our joys and sorrows. This strong friendship and comfort level has added that extra zing to my performance in ‘99’.
Preetham knows exactly what I like and what I don’t. I also know how he would react to a particular situation and what he has in mind. This familiarity has helped us work together and deliver some good films in the past.
Looking back, I can say that I got into acting because I am passionate about the craft. I know that money matters in the entertainment industry but for me, passion comes first. Even today, I have the excitement of a child when I get to experiment with different characters and play a different person in every film.
I am living my dream. It took me 10 years to realise it. I feel youngsters must have a dream and give time and talent to nurture and develop that dream.
Ganesh
(Actor and producer)