When we met him eight years ago, he was a celebrated reality show host. With his signature side long burns, clean shaven look and a cheerful personality, he was fondly called ‘Omkar annayya.’ His life has changed since he bid adieu to television to fulfil his big screen dreams. He went on to direct three movies — Genius and two horror comedies Raju Gari Gadhi ( 1 and 2). His success can be gauged from the fact that in Raju Gari Gadhi 2 he directed big league stars Nagarjuna and Samantha in what is seen as a casting coup. Before he finalises his next feature film, Ohmkar returns to television for his new game show Sixth Sense on Star Maa.
New look
Ohmkar’s look is still attracting attention. With a beard, smart haircut (with three slashes on both sides) and toned body (he has lost 15 kg in 4 months), he looks more a strategist set to close a financial deal. “The show is act of gratitude to Nimmagadda Prasad, who supported and bought the satellite rights of Raju Gari Gadhi (1),” he shares. “Satellite rights are not bought unless a movie’s trailer is seen. But he was gracious to support a flop director,” he says
Sixth Sense is a prelude to Star Maa’s plans to launch Big Boss in the coming months. “They felt the time slot was weak and wanted a show that will increase viewership. I agreed to do a project as it is my payback time. Whey they suggested a few international shows, I was not comfortable; I wanted something unique,” he shares, adding he wanted to work for fun and come close to his television audience, before starting his next movie. “They must be missing me,” he says with a smile of confidence. It is this confident approach that has helped him in the entertainment industry.
Sixth Sense runs high on emotions and the concept encourages not just participants but viewers too to use their sixth sense. “Once when I was driving and thought about the sixth sense and how we use it in every field — be it politics, cinema or cricket. There is a feeling in us which tells us we are right. I wondered why not create a show which works on the hunch theory. Although the viewers do not win prizes, it is thrilling to guess,” he explains. The show that has completed 10 episodes will conclude after 21 episodes.
He considers four-year-old daughter Amrutha, a lucky mascot; she makes a blink-and-miss appearance in his films and was also in the promos of Sixth Sense .
Movie plans
On the movie front, Ohmkar hopes to make Raju Gari Gadhi a franchise. His next project might be either Raju Gari Gadhi 3 or a sports drama in his style. “It will be football not cricket,” he informs. “In Dangal and Sultan, the story was the hero. When you make movies only for fun, they have a low shelf life, movies with drama and a strong story stay forever.”
His perspective on things has changed with age. Though his ambition to make it big has not mellowed down, he does weigh his decisions with caution. Even as he enjoys this success and drama, he is confident more is on his way. In his heart however, he remains ‘Ohmkar annayya’ to all.
