JOIN US'I don't believe in getting stuck in the past'
The Kannada film industry is witnessing a surge in new talent and there are also a few who are returning to Sandalwood. Model-turned-actor Kiran Srinivas, who had entered the industry with ‘Haage Summane’ in 2008, has now returned with ‘Niruttara’, where he plays a musician.
Kiran says he was always keen to get into the entertainment industry and worked in Kannada films for three years before he got an offer to play the character of Dev in television series ‘24’. His move to Mumbai, he says, changed a lot of things for him. Kiran talks to Nina C George about why he chose ‘Niruttara’ and his future plans.
What prompted you to sign ‘Niruttara’?
I liked the script and the style of narration. The movie follows the life of four different people and what happens when their paths cross. I play the part of a musician who also happens to be the lead singer of a band. It’s a very new-age subject and the director has done well to bring in a lot of ordinary things that happen around us all the time.
Have you been following anybody’s work?
Works of great actors like Naseeruddin Shah and Anant Nag have always inspired me. They are not only commercially successful actors but they’ve proved their acting prowess in offbeat subjects as well. I really admire their spontaneity and the way they carefully choose the kind of work they want to do.
How do you choose your projects?
The director is the most important criteria in selecting a project. How a story unfolds and shapes up totally depends on the creativity of the director. The director can mould the story in any way. The storyline and cast are secondary for me.
What do you think has brought you thus far?
I don’t believe in getting stuck in the past and feel that past mistakes are the best pointers to a bright future. I watch out for unusual subjects and ideas that I can work on. I’ve always believed that there are no great stories but only stories that are told in a great way. This is the thought that has guided me.
The most valuable lesson you’ve learnt...
The biggest lesson that I’ve learnt is to stay calm in the face of adversity and disappointments. I’ve also learnt to cope with all kinds of situations.
Was relocating to Mumbai a good change?
My shift to Mumbai changed a lot of things for me because I felt that I was better accepted in the film industry there than I was here back then, when I decided to start work in Mumbai.
The shift opened new avenues for me. I began doing voice-overs and also learnt the art of dubbing.
Do you enjoy working on multiple things?
I never get stuck to one thing and have always done multiple things.
I prefer exploring as much as I can in the entertainment industry. I feel that it is better to navigate and learn different aspects of filmmaking than just being a master in one field.