Dr. Rajkumar's back!

CT catches up with Suresh Oberoi, who���������s all set to bring alive Dr Rajkumar on the silver screen
How did you prepare for your role of Dr Rajkumar in the film Veerappan?
I gave up non-vegetarian food, I did not smoke or drink; I mediated every day and prayed to Dr Rajkumar to come into me and essay the role. The entire shoot was a time of tapas and I ate only simple vegetarian food, wore very ordinary clothes and did not get upset or angry with anybody.For me, this was a way of getting into character. I also had to remove my moustache.
Were you aware of the aura of Dr Rajkumar? How difficult was it to step into his shoes?
It is impossible to recreate the same aura ��������� simple, humble and yet, so strong. It is very easy to play the role of a proud and mighty king, but very difficult to bring alive the humility of a great person. I could not have achieved it without the help of Dr Rajkumar himself. Before every shot, I prayed to him and in one of the scenes, in which I am taking leave of Veerappan, I felt the spirit of Dr Rajkumar come into me and, at that moment, I wasn���������t Suresh Oberoi.
Were you intimidated when playing this role?
As an actor, you cannot be intimidated. This role is easily the biggest role I���������ve played as I was playing the role of a man who was God to many. But, I was able to accomplish it with prayer and meditation.
Were you briefed on what happened when Dr Rajkumar was kidnapped?
I don���������t think Dr Rajkumar really knew what was happening in the city. I was only briefed on how Dr Rajkumar reacted to Veerappan. He apparently never showed any fear, kept smiling and was kind to everybody. He used to calm people down during his own captivity. He kept it sweet and simple and that alone was my brief.
FACT FILE
Actor Rajkumar is an icon of Kannada cinema, who has acted in over 200 films. He shot to national prominence after he was kidnapped by forest brigand Veerappan. He remained in captivity for 108 days. He has been awarded the Padma Bhushan, the Dada Saheb Phalke Award, an honorary doctorate and a National Award for Best Film Playback Singer. The actor passed away on April 12, 2006.