<p>Comedians were once an indispensable part of the Sandalwood industry, but only a few have stood the test of time and the changes that have taken place in it. <br /><br /></p>.<p> Actor Chikkanna is one of them. Chikkanna, whose acclaimed roles include those in ‘Masterpiece’, ‘Mr Airavata’, ‘Rathavara’ and ‘Ranavikrama’, says he is content playing the supporting role. In an interview with Nina C George, he talks about his latest release ‘Jigarthanda’ and his future plans. <br /><br />What’s your role in ‘Jigarthanda’? <br /><br />I play the friend of the character essayed by lead actor Rahul. Our characters are childhood buddies and somewhere along the way, the two lose contact with each other. The story takes a turn when we meet each other after many years. My role in the film is an important one because I am required to bring comic relief to an otherwise serious subject. <br /><br />Did you always wanted to be actor? <br /><br />A career in acting was one of the things on the cards for me. I never set out to be an actor but after my short stint in the television industry, I began liking cinema. After playing the role of a villain in a Tamil project, many people asked me if I entered the Kannada film industry to play the villain. I had no such pre-conceived notions, I started playing comedy roles and now it looks like I am doing just that. But I have no complaints. <br /><br />Do you feel that you have been typecast? <br /><br />No. If the script requires that I play a comedian, then I do that. I don’t have any hard and fast rules when it comes to choosing my projects. I enjoy my work and try to give my best to all the characters I play. <br /><br />Do you have any regrets about playing supporting roles? <br /><br />I’ve always felt that it is better to play a supporting role than the lead. There are a lot of restrictions when you play the lead character and there is a lot of risk involved. As a supporting actor, I’ve had the opportunity to play different kinds of characters which have enriched my experience as an actor. <br /><br />You have been mistaken for actor Yogi several times...<br /><br />Yes, there have been times when I have been mistaken to be actor Yogi. But slowly people have begun to understand the difference. <br /><br />Your natural look has worked in your favour... <br /><br />A lot of people have said that my natural look has been my biggest advantage. I never had to make an attempt to go for any makeover of sorts unless the script demanded it. I’ve always worked around my natural looks and body language . <br /><br />Do you believe in planning your future? <br /><br />I don’t plan my future because a lot of planning may lead to disappointments. I take things as they come. <br /><br /></p>
<p>Comedians were once an indispensable part of the Sandalwood industry, but only a few have stood the test of time and the changes that have taken place in it. <br /><br /></p>.<p> Actor Chikkanna is one of them. Chikkanna, whose acclaimed roles include those in ‘Masterpiece’, ‘Mr Airavata’, ‘Rathavara’ and ‘Ranavikrama’, says he is content playing the supporting role. In an interview with Nina C George, he talks about his latest release ‘Jigarthanda’ and his future plans. <br /><br />What’s your role in ‘Jigarthanda’? <br /><br />I play the friend of the character essayed by lead actor Rahul. Our characters are childhood buddies and somewhere along the way, the two lose contact with each other. The story takes a turn when we meet each other after many years. My role in the film is an important one because I am required to bring comic relief to an otherwise serious subject. <br /><br />Did you always wanted to be actor? <br /><br />A career in acting was one of the things on the cards for me. I never set out to be an actor but after my short stint in the television industry, I began liking cinema. After playing the role of a villain in a Tamil project, many people asked me if I entered the Kannada film industry to play the villain. I had no such pre-conceived notions, I started playing comedy roles and now it looks like I am doing just that. But I have no complaints. <br /><br />Do you feel that you have been typecast? <br /><br />No. If the script requires that I play a comedian, then I do that. I don’t have any hard and fast rules when it comes to choosing my projects. I enjoy my work and try to give my best to all the characters I play. <br /><br />Do you have any regrets about playing supporting roles? <br /><br />I’ve always felt that it is better to play a supporting role than the lead. There are a lot of restrictions when you play the lead character and there is a lot of risk involved. As a supporting actor, I’ve had the opportunity to play different kinds of characters which have enriched my experience as an actor. <br /><br />You have been mistaken for actor Yogi several times...<br /><br />Yes, there have been times when I have been mistaken to be actor Yogi. But slowly people have begun to understand the difference. <br /><br />Your natural look has worked in your favour... <br /><br />A lot of people have said that my natural look has been my biggest advantage. I never had to make an attempt to go for any makeover of sorts unless the script demanded it. I’ve always worked around my natural looks and body language . <br /><br />Do you believe in planning your future? <br /><br />I don’t plan my future because a lot of planning may lead to disappointments. I take things as they come. <br /><br /></p>