When G. Venkatesh Kumar, maker of the award-winning short film Vittil Poochigal , was invited to be part of an eight-member Indian delegation of young artists, filmmakers and journalists to visit Russia, he took it as an opportunity to advance his film career. Venkatesh made a documentary, titled Feedback , on his visit and interaction with several creative people in Russia. “The Generation Next programme we attended was an enlightening one in that we were able to learn a lot about our different professions. On October 25, the Russian Centre of Science and Culture in Chennai organised a photo exhibition, “My Journey to Russia,” followed by a screening of my Feedback and Vittil Poochigal . N.A. Listopadov, Consul General of the Russian Federation in Southern India, inaugurated the exhibition. Justice T.N. Vallinayagam, music director Thayanban, and M. Roosevelt, president of the Indo-Russian Film Club, along with the members of the Madras Film Society were present on the occasion,” says Venkatesh.
Best of both worlds
Theatre, as they say, provides a strong foundation for a career in acting. Abishek found out that it not only helped him enact his film roles well, but also enabled him to make a mark on the small screen as an actor and director. And, Abishek has worn many hats at different times and with ease. He made his film debut with the National Award-winning Mogamul . Prior to that Abishek was active in theatre for a long time. “I was born and brought up in Mumbai and right from the age of 12 till 24, I was regularly acting in Marathi and Hindi plays. Then, Mogamul happened and after that the scene shifted to Chennai. My interest in theatre is always kept alive and I do at least one play a year,” says Abishek who also directed Kathai, his first film in 2010 which was featured in the 8th Chennai International Film Festival. His involvement in TV serials brought him a Kalaimamani Award too. “I am now awaiting the release of Thalaivan in which I play a police officer and Naanthaanda , where I make a guest appearance. Besides, I have been signed on for a Hindi film being directed by Anurag Kashyap, which will go on floors in January 2014,” informs Abishek who is also acting in Aadaama Jayichomada directed by Badri, Kovil Ottam directed by Srisaravanan and an yet-to-be-titled film of director Balaji.
