JOIN USNational award-winner Sanchari Vijay is understandably on cloud nine after his brilliant performance in Kannada film ‘Naanu Avanalla...Avalu’ where he played a transgender. The sheer range of roles he has essayed in films like ‘Oggarane’, ‘Killing Veerappan’ and ‘Cinema my Darling’ has only reinforced Vijay's image as an actor of mettle.
Although he began his career in theatre, he quickly moved on to the big screen which, he says, was a decision taken after a lot of thought. He will be soon be seen in a three-shaded character in Kannada-Tamil bilingual film titled, ‘Phirangipura.’ In an interview with Nina C George, Vijay shares his experience of working on the project.
What is your character about?
I portray three different shades in the movie. In the first scene I appear as a young boy, then I move onto middle age and the last scene wil see me play an old man. The story traces the life of a man who travels from Bengaluru to Rajasthan and the events that occur along the way.
What genre does the movie belong to?
The movie falls into the category of a psychological thriller. Each of the characters that I have had to play are extremely engaging and challenging. The young man goes through very volatile emotions. He has to change and accept many things towards his middle-age. The last scene as an old man is most tough. In addition to the characters, the story also revolves around a revolutionary tattoo.
Tell us about your stunning makeover...
I have been given a complete makeover for my role of an old man. After we finalised the look, I thought the make up wouldn’t take long but it took almost four hours for me to look every inch the old man. I think the makeup artist has done a brilliant job and his hard work has given me the extra responsibility of portraying the character well.
What are the criteria for choosing your projects?
I have always enjoyed portraying roles that require a lot of hard work because I tend to learn a lot at the end of it. I learn how to manage very contrasting characters and this brings out the best of the actor in me. I discover a new side of myself after every project.
How has theatre helped you?
I picked up my first lessons in acting on the stage and I believe that I got the confidence to play just about any character after that.