Jagathi Sreekumar is celebrating his 33rd year in films. This talent powerhouse of an actor is as much at ease in his forte — comedy — as in demanding serious roles.
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.
Excerpts:
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.
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.
