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Young and versatile

Venkatesh. Click for bigger pic!

He comes from the privileged classes but has clearly proved his worth. For Venkatesh, after just a decade in Telugu cinema, is already 40 films old.

In a career that has seen some ups and downs, Venkatesh has also managed two state awards and an enviable fan following.

He had the best of directors to work with, courtesy his producer father D Rama Naidu. But a smooth launch, in a home production, Kaliyaga Pondavalu, didn't assure him of a great future. But Venkatesh exploited his advantage better than most, choosing a wide variety of roles playing, beside the standard romantic hero, a wronged son, a husband caught between his wife and mistress, a village headman, an action hero and more.

Soon this management graduate was even making his mark on the Hindi screen, his Anari becoming a superhit. But somehow, Bollywood didn't enthuse him quite the way Telugu films did.

Now Venkatesh is busy shooting Raja opposite Soudarya. It was on the sets of this film that S B Mirza touched based with the hero. Excerpts from the conversation:
What are the kinds of roles you like to play?

With Shakti Kapoor. Click for bigger pic!

I love to play a variety of roles, ones that give me scope to put in my best. I'm game for any challenging role.

Have you found sufficient roles of that type you want? If so, could you tell us which ones?

I must admit I'm very lucky to have bagged some meaty roles, all of them different. In Ganesh, I played an upright, no-nonsense journalist who takes on a powerful and corrupt health minister. In Sundara Kanda, I was a principled and disciplined teacher -- a little innocent and with a cute sense of humour.

In the fast-paced Kshane-Kshanam, I was a rugged youth who looks rather nonchalant but has an honest, sensitive heart. In Suryavamsham, I play a double role -- an elderly village headman and a young man.

In Chanti, I was an innocent rustic youth who is loyal to his master and deeply attached to his mother.

In Pavitra Bandham, I'm a rich brat who detests the institution of marriage and who realises the importance of his lady love before it's too late.

In Savarne Kamalam, I play a small-time painter with a lot of patience and a deep love for the arts. I bring around the adamant heroine into loving an art in which she has abundant talent....

What are your forthcoming films?

Click for bigger pic!

At present, I'm working on Raja, a remake of a hit Janut film. Soundarya's my heroine. This is a family entertainer and I'm enjoying doing this for the present. There are a few other offers that are yet to be finalised.

Why do you do fewer films than other actors?

I'm in no hurry to sign films left, right and centre. I believe I can give my best only if I like the role I play. Hence, I'm choosy. I consider the story the life of the film.

The freshness can be attributed to the treatment. A wining combination is a good story treated in a novel, natural and interesting way. Only then can it sustain audience interest. Good music, fine photography and, of course, the performance by the artists all contribute to a good product.

Why aren't you acting in Hindi films now?

I'm waiting for a good story. It isn't that I don't want to act in Hindi films, since it gives me national recognition. If it's a good story and good roles come my way, I will definitely do them. But my first priority is Telugu cinema since here I have a secure position and a good following built over the years.

What are your future plans?

As of now, my whole time is spent in acting. I have no immediate plans for the future.

How do you spend your spare time?

I devote that to my family. I love good music and sports. I vacation with my family and the time I spend with them is what I cherish most.

It relaxes me and prepares me for new challenges. I approach my work with renewed vigour after spending some time with them.

I also attend some functions when I am in Hyderabad, but that if I have spare time.

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A touch of dash