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Srinagara Kitty is out to entertain you!

Last updated on: March 18, 2010 15:32 IST
A scene from Swayamvara

Srinagara Kitty and Diganth, who are fresh from the success of Savaari and Manasaare respectively, along with Sharmila Mandre, promise to entertain Kannada moviegoers this week.

They guarantee that their film Swayamvara will tickle your funny bone. Prior to the release of this Mujhse Shaadi Karogi inspired flick, Kitty talks about his role and his tonsured look in Mathe Mungaru.

What is your role in Swayamvara like?

I am this very short tempered guy, who is in love with an aspiring fashion designer played by Sharmila Mandre. Diganth is also hitting on my girl and the film revolves around who wins her hand.

Swayamvara is an entertainer and comes sans any message. It's a feel good film.

Are you a short tempered guy in real life too?

Nope, I keep my cool. But I get super ticked off if my close friends backbite me.

'Diganth and I had a ball ragging Sharmila on the sets'

Last updated on: March 18, 2010 15:32 IST
A scene from Swayamvara

Speaking of friends, how was your rapport with your co-stars?

Diganth and I had a ball ragging Sharmila on the sets. There were comedy scenes behind the camera too! Shooting scenes with Diganth in particular was great fun.

There was so much scope for improvisation. Veteran comedian Umesh was also impressed with our comic timing. We also had fun while shooting in Bangkok.

On behalf of the Swayamvara team, did you raise funds for a cause?

Sharmila and I participated in Saalakondu Salam, a reality show. I won Rs 1 lakh and will be donating it to under-trials. The money will be utilised as bail for those who have been falsely implicated.

'I won't be surprised if Mathe Mungaru becomes controversial'

Last updated on: March 18, 2010 15:32 IST
A scene from Swayamvara

What are your forthcoming projects?

I'm looking forward to Sanju Weds Geetha, Mathe Mungaru and Sidlingu. In Sanju..., which also stars Ramya, I play this guy with big dreams, who due to some ill fated incidents lands up in jail. You'll see a very sophisticated me in this film. In fact I sport three different looks in the film.

In Mathe Mungaru too I have experimented with my looks. Eleven actors including me have shaved our heads for the film. This is a very different kind of film and will hold no resemblance to Mungaru Male. It is in fact based on a current and major issue plaguing India. I won't be surprised if the film becomes controversial.

Next, there is Sidlingu in which I essay the role of a village lad who dreams of owning a car.

Is there any particular role you look forward to playing?

While I would love to play the roles that Tom Hanks played in Cast Away and Rajkumar essayed in Kasturi Nivasa, I don't know if that would be possible.

'Direction will happen only after I turn 45'

Last updated on: March 18, 2010 15:32 IST
A scene from Swayamvara

Do you regret having done any of your films?

I have had a stress-free cinematic journey so far. And as for failures, well it's only when you fail that you learn to enjoy success. And as far as awards are concerned, well that's for the seniors to get. Once you get them, it's almost like saying -- now go sit at home!

Is direction on the cards for you?

Life should be taken as it comes. Direction will happen only after I turn 45. Talking about planning, it is baffling to see how today's parents start designing the lives of their children the moment they are born.

A diary of events that the children need to follow is maintained. But in my case, I was given a book and pen and asked to write my own destiny. I'm all set to present my daughter a pen and book too. She'll get to decide what she wants to do.

'I wouldn't go to TV if I fail to make a mark in films'

Last updated on: March 18, 2010 15:32 IST
A scene from Swayamvara

Have you ever considered re-entering television?

I started acting when I was in the eighth standard and my first assignment was for a television serial. The TV industry gave me a lot of recognition.

It's like my tavaru mane (mother's house). I am open to the idea but there is nothing on the cards for now. That industry will always welcome me with open arms.

But I wouldn't go there if I fail to make a mark in films. That would be like disrespecting the platform that made me popular. However, I am still connected to television as my production house hosts a soap, Radha.

How different are the two platforms?

While television is like your daily newspaper, films, the good ones I mean, are like novels. Films have a larger canvas. Even popularity and money factors differ.

What is your take on the kind of films being churned out by the industry?

We have good stories and writers but our presentation is not up to the mark in many cases. While the story may be good, we should remember that it is the screenplay that matters to a great extent. In some cases producers fail to identify good stories too.