Suniel makes his Kannada debut
Suniel Shetty needs no introduction. The Mangalore native who reigned Bollywood as an action hero is back on-screen with his Kannada debut film,
Shetty spoke to on his second innings. He spoke about what drew him to the South Indian film and how hard he had to physically train for it.
After a four-years sabbatical, I was wondering what to do, more films or no? A Kannada film came by. You are always nervous after a long gap and wonder whether you remember your craft or forgotten it. I was thinking over it and they were trying to convince me. That’s when Kicha [as Sudeep is fondly known] called me and spoke about this role. I thought there was enough for me to make a comeback. Krishna [director] came down and after listening to his narration, I said yes. From there my journey of getting back into films and shooting for 365 days began.
I play Sarkar — Krishna’s mentor who has been training him in the sport from childhood. There is turmoil and the relationship going kaput.
is not just about wrestling, there is lot more to it. There is romance too in Krishna’s life. I liked playing my age, the grace and the dignity that is there. It is a beautiful character and doing it was enjoyable. It is important playing characters that are different. Though I belong to Mangalore and Mysore, this is my first Kannada film. It’s kind of a check whether the audience remembers you or not. I want to do many things in life but once an actor always an actor.
Having been a cinematographer, Krishna knows the skill and the emotions. He knows exactly want he wants. The Kannada industry is disciplined and respectful. I am happy to be a part of it. South always teaches you work ethics. They are so good with what they do.
Not really but I trained hard when it came to my physical appearance. There is a different posture when it comes to wrestling. Being the coach, it was the training to train a wrestler. I was stretched and I had to be fit. It was important that I get the body language right. Speaking Kannada was tough for me. I speak Tulu which is completely different. Sometimes Tulu words used to come into my lines.
I have known Sudeep for a long time. We played the CCL [Celebrity Cricket League] and I love his passion and his honesty to work. We are similar when it comes to discipline and lifestyle.
I have completed Malayalam film,
directed by Priyadarshan. Presently, I am shooting for Tamil film,
On the anvil is a Hindi film to be announced. I am in a great space now. Today, India is one cinema, no better timing for me than what it is. I am playing my age... It does not matter whether it’s a 10-day shoot or a 25-day shoot, as long as the role makes an impact.