One of the most gifted actors in India makes the most unassuming entry. Walking into Al Shams Apartments in Dubai, where he joined the organisers and co-performers of Nakshatra Thilakkam, a stage-show being held on Feb. 26 at Al Nasr Leisureland Ice Rink, Jagathi Sreekumar alias Ambili alias Jagathichettan is hardly the star.
To say he wasn’t a comedian either would irk Sreekumar no end. “What do you expect me to do? Make faces while walking down the streets because I do comedy in films,” he would ask.
The son of renowned playwright Jagathi NK Achari, Sreekumar graduated from the prestigious Mar Ivanious College in Thiruvananthapuram, and made his debut in Malayalam films with Kanyakumari, directed by KS Sethumadhavan, in 1974. Audiences took notice of the pencil-thin youngster, who also made his presence felt in next year’s Chattambi Kalyani.
Going through the grind, he worked the “parallel” comedy track while heroes like Prem Nazir, Jayan et al strode the screen. All that was expected of comedy artistes then were to fall down, shiver in fright, laugh out loud, play second-fiddle to heroes and generally fool around. Sreekumar did it all and yet he managed to stand out.
Gifted directors like Padmarajan recognised the untapped talent in Sreekumar, and very soon, having proved his comfort level in portraying any challenging character, Sreekumar came to be regarded not as another comedy actor but as a talent powerhouse.
Sreekumar forged successful partnerships with Mohanlal and Jayaram, and for more than 15 years, if there is one actor who has survived the ups and downs of the Malayalam industry, it is Sreekumar. He has played a 80-plus patriarch in Avittam Thirunal Arogya Sreeman and a 4-year-old mentally challenged in Pidakozhi Koovunna Nootandu. Give him a challenge: He will revel in excelling in it.
He bagged three state awards, including one last year. But then awards haven’t shown justice to this natural actor.
He also ran into a patch of tough luck getting embroiled a controversy that rocked the state. Other actors would have been out of work. Sreekumar held on.
In Dubai, dressed in a Hawaii print shirt, he is enquiring about the stage show he must lead. He hasn’t done stage programmes for a long time. He doesn’t believe in taking the audiences for a ride. He wants to rehearse well and perform live very much like the professional that he is.
The day had been pretty long for the busiest star of Malayalam cinema. He set off from home at 3 am to avoid getting caught in a strike that paralysed Kerala. He got caught with airport formalities for long hours, and his wife, accompanying him to Dubai for the first time, felt uneasy with all the long wait. Sreekumar is not in a holiday mood despite his children too giving him company in the trip. His priority is getting the show right.
Even as Dubai Malayala Film Society President and General Convenor Nelson Mekkattukulam, the organiser of the event, was drafting the itinerary, Sreekumar spoke at length to Time Out. Do not read this piece for Jagathi-style film comedy. Sreekumar is a serious man.
Excerpts from the interview:
It seems to be season of actor anniversary celebrations. How do you feel about being honoured in Dubai?
Dubai Malayalis felt they should honour me. They invited and I am here. Last year, there were celebrations in Jagathi, my home-town, organised by the local sports and arts clubs.
You haven’t been to Dubai for stage shows for a long time now…
I am not interested in doing stage shows.
Why?
There is a lot of falsehood. I can’t perform on stage without proper rehearsals. I don’t like falsehood in my work though personally I may be otherwise.
You have been doing comedy in films for 30 years now? Is it easier or more difficult to make people laugh now?
There is no difference now or then. As it is, I won’t take up a job I can’t do with ease. For me, doing comedy is easy.
You are one of India’s most gifted actors. But when it comes to awards, do you feel you have got a raw deal?
There is a difference between awards and being gifted. Earlier, actors were given awards. Now, they take them. There is a big difference between the two. I am only interested in those awards that are being bestowed not the kind I have to demand.
You have walked through a lot of personal crises. But as an actor, you have remained insular to all these externalities. People adore and respect you as much now as before. What do you think is the reason for this?
They must have a liking for me. I have always tried to endear audiences only through my performances not through me as an individual. I don’t have fans associations. I don’t spend money on building admirers. I don’t hire people to throw flowers on to the screen when I make an entry. I don’t’ encourage a coterie. I don’t like flattery. People like my work. And the people who like my work aren’t fools. Would you bear the burden of a donkey for more than a while? Especially Keralites…
But how do you react when faced by such issues?
You must face them. You can’t run away from issues. It will catch up with you some day.
What has been your strength in sailing through issues?
Prayers. I pray also before I start a new film and before I dub. The last prayer is an appeal to get me my entire remuneration. For me, both these prayers have worked. That is why I believe in God.
Have you ever been bothered by your image as a comedy actor?
You must do whatever is given to you. You must be loyal to your work in such a way that it makes an impact and helps the producer earn back his money. After all, don’t I receive my remuneration from the producer?
Don’t you think many of your roles are becoming repetitive?
Even if there is repetition in the characterisation, I try to make it different. That is a deliberate effort I put into every role I do. As it is, there are only limited characters in real life too.
Do you feel your talent has been truly utilised?
That is up to the directors. I think Padmarajan and Priyadarshan have tapped me well. With Padmarajan, I had entirely different characters in every film of his. Priyan has gone to all extents to which I can be used for comedy. To a certain extent, Sasikumar Sir also has tested my talent. Now, there is Lal Jose…I think, directors must know how to make use of the artistes.
Do you agree that the standard of comedy in Malayalam films has come down?
Audiences would not appreciate third-rate comedy. There is acceptance only for the good. Once upon a time, people would laugh if someone slips on a banana peel. You won’t repeat it if it doesn’t work. Change is inevitable in any field.
You are a comedy artiste. You are very serious too…is there a contradiction?
I am a serious person. What do you imply? That I should make faces because I do comedy in films? Do you mean to say I must fool around in a public place because I am a comedian?
No…people look at you as a comedy artiste and then they see you on stage making very serious statements…
I will make serious statements. I have always been like that.
You tried your hand in directing too…
That flopped…
Why?
I don’t know direction. I tried every thing. You can only learn from experience. You must try and that is the only way you understand life’s lessons.
Are you interested in attempting direction again?
No.
Many actors are returning to stage. Do you have any such plans?
I already support a theatre group, Kalanilayam. I promote stage actors. Kalanilayam was a very successful banner some 25 years back. We are reviving its fortunes, and we aim to popularise the old charm of theatre to the new generation.
Why is there so much dissent among the various parties in Malayalam cinema today?
If political parties that govern the country can squabble, why not a few film industry associations…I don’t think you can even compare the situation in the film industry with that happening in politics.
Have you considered joining politics?
I used to consider and regard politics when people like Jawaharlal Nehru was the prime minister of India. As a student such deliberation about politics used to make me more informed and happy. Today, I just don’t think about politics because it makes you sad.
How would you describe yourself?
A good actor with all bad qualities. I stand by the statement. I have many bad traits.
Box:
A few gems…
Theeram Thedunna Thira (The beggar who makes it rich through begging)
Moonam Pakkam (Kavala)
Peruvannapurathe Visheshangal (Rewind: The pond scene with Jayaram: A bath-soap is history in a minute)
Kilukkam (Tum paagal ho? Mein Nishchal Hoon)
Yodha: (Kuttimamma…)
Meleparambil Aanveedu (Adukkalakariyayirunnalum neeyen mohavalli…)
Pidakozhi Koovunna Nootandu (Ikroo)
Malappuram Haji Mahanaya Joji (Aliyar master)
Kaboolivaala (What a pair: Kadalasu and Kannasu — with Innocent)
Friends (Painter Laser)
Meesha Madhavan (The scheming money-lender)
