‘Southern actors get a raw deal’

doweshowbellyad=0; Modes as ever (TOI Photo)
Multiple award-winning actor wears his iconic status lightly
Everybody’s congratulating me on my eighth Filmfare award... But frankly, I don’t remember how many I’ve won before this! But I still find it exciting to win them they’re an inspiration too. I’m happy my work is being recognised and fans still want to see more of me.And while awards boost your confidence, I’m also encouraged by critical acclaim. But I’m still waiting for my fourth national award I won it in 1999, so I’m waiting for the next one.
Rivalry doesn’t bother me nor and I don’t have any professional jealousies... And that’s how the industry functions back home in Kerala. We never try to compete with each other. All the actors, including Mohanlal, are good friends of mine and we keep interacting constantly. We all work towards the welfare of the industry and have even set up an association of Malayalam artistes called AMMA.
In the coming months, several Malayalam actors will be sharing screen space in a movie to be made by Dileep. The Malayalam industry is perceived to be intellectual and known for quality films... I guess it’s true because the filmmakers don’t subscribe to the set pattern of commercial films. There’s an aesthetic sense to every film and they’re all very close to reality. Even if it’s an out-and-out commercial film, it will never digress from social reality.
I have lots to achieve in spite of being in the industry for two decades...There are more than 3.3 crore Keralites and I’ve starred in about 300 films. So I don’t think I’ve managed to cater to even 1/4th of the population. And now a lot of my fans and industry folks have started asking me to take up direction, but I don’t think I will. I still have many roles to play, so I can’t even say I’m going to do just this one role and retire.
But southern actors and films are always given a raw deal... And I raised this point at an awards function held in Dubai two years ago. All these awards ceremonies are called Indian Film Awards, but it’s only Bollywood films that are given importance. So why don’t they just call them Bollywood Film Awards instead?
But my speech was promptly snipped off by all television channels! The discrimination against southern industry still continues. But I’m not terribly worried because I’m not going to head to Bollywood for a career. But it’s not fair, and that’s something I stand by even today.
I also voiced my opinion during the soft drink controversy back home... It’s not that I’m against soft drinks, but when the controversy occurred, it also involved public sentiment. And I didn’t want to go against my people by endorsing the soft drink. I’m also very choosy about brand endorsements, which is why I don’t promote products often. And yes, the discrimination against southern actors is present in advertising too we’re never been approached to endorse national products.
But I don’t think of myself as the end of the world... I see a lot of young talent in the Malayalam industry. And there’s enough space for everyone to grow. There’s no question of rivalry or calling it quits because your place has been taken over by someone else, be-cause we are one big family.
My other passion besides acting is cars... And I’ve picked up the latest luxury SUV recently. I drive my family around on my day off from work. Charity is another issue that is close to my heart, but I don’t think it’s nice to talk about it.