Ranjith is shining bright on the tube these days. Playing the role of Surya in the mythological serial Shani on Colors Kannada, he has caught the eyes of makers and audience alike with his acting skills and physique. The actor, who is thrilled that Shani completed its 100th episode recently, speaks about his role in the series and the future.
Ranjith never dreamt of becoming an actor and started working for an airlines company. “But, I did small roles here and there just as hobby,” says the actor who has done a few roles in handful of films, which includes Tamas . Slowly, offers started trickling in and soon he found himself playing the main negative characters and now is all geared up for his next film release, Kichchu.
“It was during the making of this film that the makers of Shani asked me to audition for them. They were already making it in Hindi and were looking for actors for its Kannada version. Once the audition was done, I was immediately offered the role,” reveals Ranjith, who has given up “three film projects” to get on board of Shani.
Ask him why and he responds with, “An actor has to be open to all kinds of roles. I have been donning negative shades in films and serials, I have also acted as a brother, friend and bouncer. It was my dream to do a mythological character. I grew up watching Dr Rajkumar’s mythological films and dreamt of doing something as powerful as that. Shani gives me that platform.”
Shooting is done in Gujarat, where massive sets have been erected. “We were all given a crash course about our mythology to help us understand and portray the characters better.”
Talking of the difference between TV and films, Ranjith says, “Films will always be my first love. But, right now I am focusing on Shani . There is a lot for us to learn in every medium. Especially for subjects like mythology, we not only work for 15 to 18 hours a day, but also get to learn about our rich heritage. TV has taught me to be patient – in the way I act, the days that I have to commit and the manner in which I have to bring in variations for a role that can go on for months.”
Shani is telecast on weekdays at 8.30pm on Colors Kannada.
