Thanks to his towering personality, large eyes and deep voice, Sharath Lohitaswa is usually cast as a villain or a policeman in most films. The actor, however, has “no regrets” for not being cast as the leading man. He has withstood the test of time with his acting skills, not just in Kannada films, but also Tamil films.
His various portrayals have won critical acclaim and awards — Karanataka State Film Awards as the best supporting actor for Matthe Satyagraha, Udaya Sunfeast Award at the best villain for Aa Dinagalu and the South Indian International Movie Awards as the best actor in a negative role for Bheema Theeradalli to name a few. Sharath is well-known not just in the Kannada film industry but also in the Tamil industry. It was no surprise when this literature student took to films as his father, Lohitashwa, is also an acclaimed actor.
The actor, is now looking forward to Churikatte, a film by Raghu Shivamogga, which releases this week. The actor talks about the advantages of being a character actor, awards and more.
Excerpts:
How was it to work with director Raghu Shivamogga for Churikatte ?
I knew him as an actor from theatre and was impressed with his powerful performances on stage. After a few years, I saw him as a director and wondered what such a power-packed actor was doing behind the camera? But, his skills as a director too are impressive. We worked together for his short film Chowkabaara and now Churikatte . I play a negative role -- a man who heads the timber mafia.
You were a serious literature student, when did you decide to become an actor?
I was passionate about acting since I was a child. I accompanied my father to his rehearsals and watched a lot of plays with him. In school too I was part of many stage and radio plays before doing amateur theatre in Bengaluru. Theatre helped me grow as an artiste. Soon, films followed. I started off with a small role in one of MS Sathyu’s film. It was not a commercial film. My entry into commercial cinema happened with KV Raju’s Huliya .
You have mostly been cast in negative roles or as a cop. Have you ever felt typecast?
When you come from theatre, you don’t come with the concept of a hero, heroine, comedian, side actor or a villain. There is no such bifurcation in theatre. I first heard the terms -- lead, villain, hero etc only when I entered the film industry. I am an actor, who wants to perform any role to the best of my ability. I don’t feel I have been typecast as I feel I have been lucky to get many kinds of roles. And, when you are here to earn a living, you have to also be open to all kinds of work.
Do character artistes have a longer shelf life?
I think so. In my career I have seen many lead actors come and go. A few youngsters come here lured by the glamour and are not passionate about acting. Today, looks are given more importance to than acting skills. May be film-makers too want people who come and go for their new projects.
How is it working in Tamil films?
It has been good. I find them more disciplined and organised when it comes to work. They also have trained technicians, which makes a vast difference. They come up with original stories. Here we are doing remakes these days, in spite of having the best talent.
Why do you think remakes are happening?
Probably no one wants to invest time creating scripts, but want to make a fast buck. But there are still a few who are doing original work, in spite of the challenges they face.
Will you take to direction?
Yes the dream is there. I have directed plays. But films are different. You can’t do 10 films if you are a director. You have to give your all to that one film.
