W ith characteristic élan, S. Ve Shekher continues to answer more questions from readers on the state of Tamil theatre and much else. The first part was published on April 17. Here goes...
Plays are popular even today. The only problem seems to be the high cost of tickets, which means it does not reach the common man. Can you do something?
R.C. Mohan, Kuwait.
The Hindu ’ now conducts a drama festival in different towns of Tamil Nadu and offers tickets at a low price, which is almost 75 per cent cheaper than those sponsored by a sabha. If only more institutions came forward to sponsor plays in a big way, like they do for music concerts during the December Season, the golden period of theatre can be revived from its present sluggish state. I am prepared to take up this cause.
I have watched many of your plays in the 1970s and 1980s. They always had a concept or a theme, often social issues, told with subtlety. And were all laced with humour. Some, like those of R.S. Manohar, had grand sets too. It was a pleasant two hours spent watching such plays. Having said all that, what is the future of comedy plays? Is there scope for creativity of that genre now?
S. Rameshkumar, Chennai
Comedy will last forever… as long as life exists on earth. In today’s context, everyone is leading a stress-filled life. In the U.S., on Fridays, they all shout with joy about the weekend to follow. It is evident that people crave for fun. So long as this urge exists, comedy plays will be one of the avenues to relieve the stress. And that is why it’s my forte.
How different is your politics from that of Cho S. Ramasamy or the ‘ joker politician,’ the late Raj Narayan of Uttar Pradesh?
M. Palanimuthu, Belur Post, Salem
Criticising someone is very easy. If only you are in Raj Narayan’s shoes will you understand what his life was like. He had definitely many plusses. If you still want to consider him a 'joker', that’s your opinion.
Cho S. Ramaswamy is a genius and my manaseega guru. He knows me since the time I was 10. I can say with pride that he has mentioned me in a book written by him about famous personalities he came across in life. Incidentally, my father S.V. Venkatraman directed Cho’s first ever stage play and my uncle S.V. Shankaran was the stage director for his plays.
You are armed with diploma in refrigeration and air-conditioning. Have you ever repented not continuing in that field? What is your advice to the youngsters who are starting their career?
S. Saravana Kumar, Chennai
Education is for knowledge enhancement but may not be useful for your job. Today, jobs are dime a dozen. An 8th Standard passed commercial driving licence holder gets Rs.15-20 k per month. I still service all the gadgets in my house with my practical knowledge supplemented by my education. India is far behind in providing aptitude-based education. In the United States, when a boy /girl wants to become a truck driver, the parents start providing him/her with toys related to trucks, make-yourself toy kits and so on. But if an Indian child has similar dreams, he will be admonished by his parents, who want him to become either a doctor or an engineer. My advice is to choose a course that really interests you and convince your parents that you can lead a comfortable life with the knowledge acquired from such courses. But you need to remain focussed 100 per cent.
I grew up listening to your plays ‘One More Exorcist’ and ‘Crazy Thieves In Palavakkam’ with my family. I would now like to take my children to the same. Are they being enacted any where now? Also, what led you to take up theatre?
Aruna Ramachandran, Chennai
Drama is in my blood. My father S.V. Venkatraman was called ‘Avvai Shanmukhi of yesteryear Tamizh theatre’ for the number of female roles he donned. Rehearsals were held in our house regularly and I have watched them at close quarters. I entered theatre as a 13-year-old in 1963, creating special light and sound effects for Major Sunderarajan’s play, ‘Kaysarasara.’ As for my plays, we are planning to perform all our plays soon in a virtual format too. I am also working on offering my plays as an app. I am open to discussions on this.
When it comes to dialogue, positioning on stage or even a simple gesture, how much of it is your interpretation and how much is the director’s contribution?
Balu, Kadayanallur, Tirunelveli
Acting cannot be imposed on or taught to a person. At the most, a director can only improve upon an actor’s basic performance. You have to, over a period of time, develop a style of your own to interpret characters. You should never be a clone of someone. Individuality is very important.
Who were the major influences on your career?
Sai Yasiswini, Vellore
My parents, brothers, sister, wife and my children have all been a great source of strength and inspiration, one way or the other. My first photograph was published in magazines thanks to ‘Still’ Ravi’s efforts. My first ever interview was by E.V.R. Mohan. The comedy legend Nagesh advised me to take to acting first on stage. Late Sunda was responsible for founding Natakhapriya. All my troupe members have contributed a lot with their co-operation. K. Balachander directed my debut film. I also owe my thanks to (late) Ramanarayan, who has directed me in 20 films and actor-director-playwright Visu, with whom I have done 19 films. Needless to mention, I owe it to all of you all, my audience and my fans, who have been continuously supporting me.
What is the secret of your youthfulness?
Krishnamuthy Venkatraman, Chennai
I take a bath twice a day!! Jokes apart, we should be happy with what we get instead of longing for things that elude us. Never envy others. Self satisfaction and contentment are important. A person who earns Rs.10,000, eats four idlis for dinner. And somebody who earns Rs.10 lakhs also can eat only 4 or 5 idlis. My father has trained all his children to look at their own plates and eat and not peep into others’. I apply this to my life too.
What are your most significant achievements on stage and in films?
Prasanna, Tiruchi
R.S Manohar, Cho. S. Ramaswamy, S.V. Sahasranamam, Major Sunderarajan and Surulirajan, to name a few, have all contributed to theatre. Similarly, I am identified with providing rib-tickling comedy.
I have more than 6000 stage shows and 90 films to my credit. The public remembers me for these and also the good deeds I do.
(To be concluded)
