Pics: Meryick D'Silva
Daijiworld Media Network - Mangaluru (MD)
Mangaluru, Aug 12: Suman Talwar, popular south Indian actor who has starred in nearly 400 movies in various languages visited Mangaluru on Tuesday August 11 and addessing an entire press meet in Tulu, spoke at length about his upcoming movie, his life and experiences in the film industry and also called for government support to Tulu and Konkani films.
Talwar, who was in the city to promote his upcoming Kannada movie 'Mr Johnny' where he is acting alongside popular Sandalwood star Vijay Raghavendra, said, "Tulu industry has been busy these days. The quality of Tulu films should improve and stories should be more polished. Tulu films should be dubbed into other languages also. If I want to act in a Tulu film, my character should get a central role as I do not want to face any problems when I act in Tamil or Telugu films. I want a positive character to spread the culture, heritage and language of Mangaluru.
"The chief minister should help Konkani, Tulu and Coorgi films. These industries can develop only if the government helps them. Kannada film industry should evolve in terms of theme, story and concept. There should not be any compromise in choosing the main actors for the film. Concept and visuals are very good in 'Bahubali' film. Everybody wants a quality film. Even my laundry man watches English movies," he added.
Speaking about his upcoming movie, he said, "The film 'Mr Johnny' is being produced by Aishwarya Film Productions owned by J Janakirana, M Aravind and Purushotham and directed by my friend P K H Das. Actresses Janani and Milana, Vijaya Raghavendra as the lead actor, me as a supporting actor, Rangayana Raghu, Sadhu Kokila and Shobharaj as comedy characters are acting in this film. Shooting is taking place in Mangaluru right now and we will be here till August 18. Shooting began for the film at Panambur beach today. On August 19 I have shooting in Hyderabad."
On his role in the movie, he said he is playing the character of a friendly don Shetty. "I am close to the hero of the film because he saves me in one situation. So I also help him in many situations. This is a commercial film with songs, fights and comedy with a strong social message. Last two days' shooting will be held in Manipal. Wonderful locations in Mangaluru including the sea should make it a shooting hub. There should be better facilities for shooting and charges has to be reduced."
Recalling his childhood and journey in the film industry, he said, "I was born to Sushil and Kesari Talwar, and my grandfather Anand Talwar was a public prosecutor in Mangaluru. I was born and brought up in Chennai. As a hero I started my career with a Tamil movie in 1978, after which I did a Telugu movie in 1982. In the 1990s I entered the Kannada film industry, and in 2000 I stepped into the Malayalam industry. I earned fame when I acted next to Rajinikanth in the Tamil film 'Shivaji', and thereafter I got a call from Bollywood star Akshay Kumar for his 'Gabbar is Back' movie produced by Sanjay Leela Bhansali.
"I also acted in an English movie called 'Death and Taxis' in 1994. And now I am entering into my 38th year in the film industry. I never expected that I would survive for so many years. The only backing I got was from my parents and from my college principal. Right now I am working with the third generation. I am fortunate to act with the third generation people. I am very happy about my career. After I acted in 'Gabbar is back' movie I have become busy. I am choosy about the films I do and I look for good producer, good director, good character and a good story."
Narrating the most memorable moment of his life, Talwar said, "The film 'Annamaya' in which I played 'Tirupati Venkataramana' was a super hit. The former President of India Shankar Dayal Sharma wanted to watch this film with me and arranged it to be screened at Rashtrapati Bhavan. I also had food with him and I was felicitated on that occasion. I do not think everybody gets this chance. It was all God's grace. I have also received many awards."
Speaking about Tamil film 'Shivaji' and Rajinikanth, Suman Talwar said that Rajinikanth was like a Godfather to him. "When I was shooting with him, he would have lunch with me. He would always appreciate my shots when I acted well. He used to even call me up at night to praise my acting. He has supported me and I am ready to do anything for him.
"Akshay Kumar is another person whom I will never forget. Because of him I got a chance to act in his film. I am also getting good offers from Bollywood and I will hold a press meet in Mangaluru in the coming days," he added.
When asked about his fluency in Tulu, Talwar said, "We speak Tulu at home in Chennai. People ask me if I know Tulu. After all it is my mother tongue, how can I forget it?"
Suman also revealed that he would be completing 400 films in November this year.
Sandalwood star Vijay Raghavendra said it was a privilege for him to act alongside Suman Talwar for the second time. Speaking about the protest happening in the Sandalwood industry in Bengaluru over the proposed ban on dubbing, Vijaya said, "The Sandalwood industry is holding a rally and a protest. I am taking part in this."
Suman Talwar added, "Regarding the issue of dubbing, now the Kannada film industry has taken a stance that no other language films should be dubbed into Kannada. It is a very good stand. But I request that Konkani, Tulu and Coorgi films should be permitted to be dubbed into Kannada, because they should reach the maximum number of people. Only those films from Karnataka should be allowed to be dubbed."
RJ Errol and others were present.