Embrace change with a smile

I have been in the film industry for close to three decades, but I was excited at the thought of working with the new breed of directors because they brought with them new ideas, insights and perspectives about cinema; sometimes filmmaking itself.

The new generation ushered in a change, that I believe, in the right direction. Change is inevitable and is a continuous process. Films like ‘Sarkari Hi. Pra. Shaale Kasaragodu, Koduge: Ramanna Rai’ and Ondalla Eradalla’ are indications of a new era in the Kannada film industry. These are not hero-oriented films but projects where the content and performances score over all else; it is not the run-of-the-mill cinema. I am not undermining commercial films, but I am glad that this new way of thinking is gaining strength. The younger generation of
filmmakers, who come with small budgets and strong content, have tremendous faith in what they are doing. I believe their undying faith is the secret behind their success.

I have always wanted to be a part of this transition because it is a great learning experience for me. I may belong to the older generation, but my thought process is in sync with the present generation.

I am thrilled that I have begun to discover a new side to the actor in me because I am now playing roles that I would never have got a chance to do a decade ago; filmmakers then would never have thought of it. The roles that are coming my way now are different, unusual and realistic.

This change is being embraced not only by actors and directors but by the audience as well. A lot of people tell me that they would like to watch different kind of films.

However, the biggest challenge that I face today is to remain relevant both as an actor and as an individual. The moment I become irrelevant, I am out — and I don’t want to be out.

I also believe that it pays to have an open mind and accept changes as they happen. Then things will begin to fall in place. Even today, I become nervous during my first shot because it is a new film and a new thought.

It is my openness in accepting the freshness that keeps me alive and relevant too.

Avinash