JOIN USGuys with a baritone shouldn’t necessarily be branded villains, laughs Vasishta N Simha, the latest sensation in the Kannada film industry. However, he is categorical about his liking for such roles. The Hassan-born, Mysore-bred six-footer has been an instant hit with his looks and booming voice.
He opens up with more in a freewheeling chat with Deccan Herald:
Why do you love being a villain?
I grew up watching movies of Vishnuvardhan (my favourite) and Ravichandran. Salman and Hrithik are my other favourites. However, for some reason, I was overawed by villain Raghuvaran and his voice so much that it seems like I have taken an affinity to such roles. In fact, I went into a sort of depression when he died. I relished villainous roles during my theatre days too, and it just continues.
What brought you to films?
To become a singer was my childhood dream. Though not fully trained, I spent some years with ace composer Hamsalekha sir upon entering the industry. In fact, I relocated to Bengaluru (from Mysuru) just to become a singer. However, one thing led to another and I found myself in front of the camera. Raja Huli (2013) with Yash was a huge success and kick-started my career in a big way.
Last year was lucky for you. What about 2017?
In fact, 2016 was ‘very’ lucky. In Godhi Banna..., my villainous role goes through a lot of different emotions till the end. It was highly appreciated and that definitely gave me a boost. I got an opportunity to share the screen with thespian Anant Nag. It was a brilliant experience: the way he sees the script, looks into the camera and moulds himself in front of it, are too inspiring. The 10 movies I have acted in (like Tagaru, Mufti, Samayada Hinde Savari) are in different stages of production, and I hope all of them release this year.
You have also done a tri-lingual. How was the experience?
Yes, in 2015 I did a tri-lingual: Alone (Kannada), Leela (Telugu), Karai Oram (Tamil). I had a positive experience. Not much is different between the industries though some take it a tad bit serious in some aspects.
Back to your singing — what type of songs do you look forward to sing?
I am not picky in that and love to sing anything. I just have to connect to the song and that’s it. My urge to sing continues and I am happy to have sung the hugely popular number ‘Neecha Sullu Sutto Naalige’ in Kirik Party. Funnily, after going overboard with my voice while recording for Kirik Party, I could hardly speak for the next couple of days.
You are also a theatre guy...
After singing, I think theatre is my other passion. You get a feeling of ‘all are equal’ in theatre. You have an open discussion at different levels and with all artistes, and many times decide who does which role quite late in the day. In fact, I quit my software job to do theatre, as I wasn’t able to give it enough time. I have been planning to produce a drama for some time. Hopefully, it will happen this year.
Any dream role that you look forward to?
A role even the last of viewers is able to connect to is what I consider a dream role. Some day, I would love to play the role of a mentally-challenged person and see the world from his perspective.
How about some romance?
Love can wait. Right now, I am very happy to be busy with my work and trying out different art forms, be it cinema, theatre or singing. I am lucky and happy to have done projects with stars like Shivanna, Puneet, Yash, Ganesh, Rakshit (Shetty) and look forward to working with the others.