An Exclusive Interview With Prakash Raj

Prakash Raj is the most popular character actor of the South Indian Film Industry. After consolidating his ground in Telugu, Tamil, Kannada and Malayalam, he is also a sought-after man in Bollywood. He believes that there is a hero in every character that he plays.

You are a successful man today. What’s the secret behind it.?
It’s simple. Just luck.

What makes you distinct from others?
I don't think there is much of a difference. Perhaps I differ in expression. If others say that two plus two is four, I think I say three plus one is four.

They say you make all the moolah in Telugu and splurge it in Tamil where you produce films. Please comment
Anyway that’s a good one. I want to make good films that are offbeat and interesting. I will do anything to promote them. It’s not that I will only make Tamil films, if I get a good subject, I will definitely do a Telugu film.

They say you make all the moolah in Telugu and splurge it in Tamil where you produce films. Please comment
Anyway that’s a good one. I want to make good films that are offbeat and interesting. I will do anything to promote them. It’s not that I will only make Tamil films, if I get a good subject, I will definitely do a Telugu film.

Lot many actors of your age are making desperate efforts to project themselves as mass heroes. Strangely, you seem to be satisfied with character roles. You are the most popular character actor in Telugu. Don’t you want to do a hero role?
I don't like playing stereotyped roles. I choose those roles that really excite me, and I think of myself as a hero in every role that I play. I am getting a lot of respect and accolades for my character and villain roles. And to be very honest no one has approached me with the idea of casting me as a hero.

Are you entering the small screen by hosting a talk show on a popular satellite channel?
No. Right now I have no time to host a talk show as I am very very busy in films. Gemini TV had approached me but I have not committed yet and I want to keep it on the hold for some more time.

How is your new film in Tamil progressing?
The film is almost complete and is directed by Priya a former assistant to Mani Ratnam and has camera by P.C.Sreeram. It has Prasanna, Laila and a lot of new faces in the cast. It is likely be dubbed into Telugu.

Is it true that you are going to produce a film to be directed by your mentor K.Balachandar
Yes, it is true that my banner “Duet Films” will produce a film to be directed by K.Balachandar which will be launched on April 14, and will have an all new star cast. I will not be acting in that film. Music is by Vidyasagar and camera by Biju. It is my passion for good cinema that forces me to take this film

You have also signed a Malayalam film?
After I read the script of Rafi Mecartin, the director of a film titled Pandipada I fell in love with the story and my character. It has an amazing script and Dileep a top actor is the producer. I did not think of anything- my salary or dates, but just decided to go ahead and do it. Once again, like I told you, it is my passion for good cinema that drives me