'I have never limited myself'

Known as the lover boy of the early 80s, Ananth Nag is still the ever-so-charming hero. But his stint with comedy, especially in director Dinesh Babu’s films, is remembered even today.

Talking to Metrolife at the Radio Mirchi office, the actor shares his thoughts on the recent film Eradane Madhuve. His 13th film with Dinesh Babu, Eradane Madhuve is a situational comedy, which revolves around Ananth’s character, who loses his job after being falsely implicated during a Lokayukta raid. His unemployment causes disputes with his wife, who is employed, and makes his character contemplate a second marriage. His wife’s role is being played by Suhasini,

“We shot the entire film in 10 days making the shooting a very hectic one. I enjoy working with Dinesh because he is quick and his way of working is so different. Within a small budget, he can come out with some real good films, which is amazing,” he says.

“When I work with Dinesh, I feel I am in a play because he uses two cameras for every shot, so that we don’t have to re-shoot every scene. I think other directors too should apply this technique as it really saves time,” he adds.

A particular dialogue in the film about chief ministers and their girlfriends did create abuzz for a while. Ananth says, “There is nothing wrong in the dialogue. All chief ministers have been linked with women and if the censors have passed it, then why should anybody have any issue?”

The film also has an interesting blend of young actors like Jennifer Kotwal and Prem. But the highlight of the movie was his reuniting with Suhasini on-screen after a long gap.
Ananth says that it was sheer pleasure working with her. “The last film we did together was Hosa Neeru. We share a great rapport and we work well together,” he says.

With so many comedies in his kitty, Ananth says that though it’s a wonderful genre to work on, it does not mean he has limited himself to just that. “Yes, of late, I was seen in many comedies but if one will see my other films like Theertha, Olave Vismaya and yet-to-be released Pancharangi, one can make out that I have tried something totally different,” he says.

So is there any one ideal role he is yet to try out? “Unless a role comes my way, I wouldn’t know if I will try it out or not. But like always, I have never limited myself and I am open for unique roles,” he signs off.