Five interesting details revealed by Anant Nag

In this special Flashback Friday episode of #QuickTakesWithBangaloreTimes, we take a look at some interesting insights into Anant Nag's life that he has shared with us over the years. And we also choose to wish him a very happy birthday

On his comic prowessI had trained in comedy right from my theatre days. If you look at my films, right from

Bayalu Daari

I had done comic scenes. I had even done a full fledged comedy film like

Dhairya Lakshmi

in my initial days itself. This continued in films like

Narada Vijaya

. Earlier, films had a separate track for comedians. I am fortunate that my writers and directors gave me a chance to break that pattern by seeing my potential.

On why he finds theatre taxingI entered theatre at the age of 17-18. I am 71 now. I find it easier to work in cinema now. I have adapted myself to this medium better. Theatre is physically tiring. Even when Girish Karnad had approached me for a play, I'd told him the same, I would easily do a film. I'm past theatre now and I do not like to look back or go backwards.

On his initiation into political conversationsOn the set of Shyam Benegal films, all that was discussed was politics. When I had entered politics, Shyam had come to Bengaluru. He told me, 'You've become a minister, you've entered politics.' He even told the media that I was a great actor and I have joined politics. It was then that I told him that I learnt politics on his film sets as they were filled with debates about the system.

On quitting politicsI was nominated as an MLC in the artiste category. It was then that I wanted to become an MLA. It was then when I entered the inside doors of the political debates and doings that I realised that it is easier to be a politician as an actor but it was tougher to be a politician in real life. I even had given up acting during my days as a minister. It was when I realised that this wasn't my calling and that if I belonged anywhere it was in front of the camera.

On why films on politics are lessThere are films on politics and the system like Ankur, Nishant, Manthan, Bara, Accident and Avasthe. But, somehow, the number of audience that chooses to watch such films is less. Lately, Kavaludaari spoke about the Emergency and politics.