Dignified charm
From his first role in the Malayalam film, Nakhakshathangal, as a gawky romantic, to the suave, sophisticated character roles he now plays in Tamil and Telugu, Vineeth has indeed matured gracefully. Rajeev Nair met him in Dubai
MUCH before mimicry proved a stepping-stone to cinema, talent got recognised on-stage. Vineeth, who danced to the front page of Malayalam dailies through his prize-winning performances at school youth festivals, walked into the minds of Malayalam moviegoers with a given: He had proved his mettle. All that the directors needed to do was tap into it.
The gawky, even clumsy, romantic of Nakhakshathangal, Vineeth’s first role, now would seem utterly dated. Vineeth’s dhoti-clad innocence, which was to be repeated in many more Malayalam films, has given way to youthful, trendy flamboyance. And it is paying rich rewards.
Vineeth has done over 18 Telugu films, a number of Tamil flicks, and after several months of absence is back to the Malayalam silver screen with a peppy role in Rafi-Mecartin’s festival flick, Chathikatha Chanthu.
To put down the youngster as just another actor would be gross injustice. A disciple of the renowned dance exponent, Dr Padma Subrahmanyam, Vineeth asserts that acting is his profession, and dancing his passion.
Vineeth is turning a new leaf in his life. He is getting married in August to a Bahrain-based Keralite girl.
Excerpts from an interview with the actor, who is in Dubai for a stage show:
You started off your acting career in the role of a very ordinary Keralite youngster. And you did a few more roles of the same nature. Today, you have cultivated the image of a flamboyant hero. Has the change been deliberate?
It is a process. I was very raw when I came into the industry. I wasn’t professionally trained in acting; I was just a dancer, trained in classical dancing. I was fortunate in doing films with well-known directors and actors.
From them, I learnt a lot of things about basic acting, and I started improving. Once you reach a stage where you work with a lot of talented people their vibrations come into you, and there is an almost automatic transition. It happens with all artistes, and of course, there is the element of hard work and your involvement in what you are doing. I love my work.
How do you prioritise between acting and dancing?
Acting is my profession. Dancing is my passion. I have been dancing since childhood, and I am still continuing my training under Dr Padma Subrahmanyam. I never mix these.
Does being a dance performer any way constraint your abilities as a commercial film actor, especially, in evolving as a full-blown action hero?
Yes, it has definitely been there. Being a dancer, your movements become more graceful and acting too becomes more real. I have been careful not to let that creep into my performance with the help of directors and choreographers. I think I was lucky to get some good roles, and work under renowned directors. It was a kind of a learning experience. This has helped me when I went into Tamil and Telugu.
Don’t you think you missed the bus to stardom in Malayalam cinema by crossing over to Tamil?
I missed a couple of films, which is the reason for the gap. Otherwise I could have made a better mark in Malayalam. But I never regret the move. Those (Tamil and Telugu) films gave me a national exposure. Kathal Desham (memorable for the Mustafa song composed by AR Rahman) gave me good exposure in Telugu; I have done some 18 films there. As an artiste it is a big challenge talking another language, and mingling with other actors.
Where do you get more recognition — in Kerala, Tamil Nadu or Andhra Pradesh?
I have done more films in Malayalam, and more than Tamil I do Telugu films. Popularity wise too, films ran better in Telugu. And then, of course, there was a change in the trend everywhere. Newcomers were making their entry but I still get good characters, even in Tamil.
Returning to Malayalam after close to three years, do you find any changes in the overall scenario?
No. I did Darling, Darling three years back. It was a hit and I was getting a number of offers. But I wanted to do something unique and nice with a good banner under a good director. Otherwise you end up wasting your time doing nothing. It is very important that not only the subject but also the whole production process is sound and well-planned. From what I get, I choose. And of course, luck plays a very important part. Chathikatha Chanthu is doing well, and my role is appreciated too.
You have been training in dance for many years now…what do you seek in dancing?
You keep on improving your techniques. You can improvise on each item, and you can learn different styles, and in the same style too you can keep on improving. Dancing is never complete. It is continuous learning process.
Do you plan to teach dancing too?
No. For that you should really spend time with your students and be with them. That is a totally different dedication like how Shobhana does today. When I have that kind of time and when I can dedicate myself to the role of a teacher, I will definitely do it.
What is your forte in dancing?
I enjoy Mohiniyattom but as a performer I prefer Bharathanatyam, and now, Bharatha Nrithyam, which is revived by Padma Subrahmanyam.
The Malayalam film industry is going through a rough patch; probably, you might not have been affected by it at all, since your interests seem beyond just Malayalam cinema…
No, it has definitely affected me too. Being a member of the (actors’) association, I am very sad something like this has happened. It is a creative field; you cannot restrict actors in expressing their creativity.
How do you rate the current breed of newcomers in Malayalam cinema?
They are extremely talented.
You don’t seem very comfortable with comedy takes…
I am essentially a director’s actor. I can improvise on what he says. I cannot do much of slapstick stuff. I guess I can handle the situation, though. I am not bad and I can manage my timing because in comedy it is essential to keep your timing to let your co-actors react.
You have done a number of memorable films including Nakhakshathangal, Champakulam Thachan, Sargam, Kamaladalam…clichéd as it may sound, which is your favourite role?
My all-time favourite will be Aavarampoo (the Tamil remake of the Malayalam flick, Thakara), by Bharathan. It was a very different film. And Sargam, of course. I have done a number of memorable films in Telugu too. I did a film with Soundarya (who died recently in a helicopter crash); she was a very talented and dignified woman.
Do you expect your marriage to affect your fan following?
Fans…fans…they always appreciate the talent in an actor. They have always rated me as a good actor, and I must continue doing good films, and stay a good actor. I hope I can do that.
