No one is entirely a hero or a villain, says Shivarajkumar on sharing screenspace with actors Upendra and Raj B Shetty in 45

Ahead of the release of his multistarrer 45, Shivarajkumar opens up about working with debut director Arjun Janya, sharing screen space with Upendra and Raj B Shetty, and why the film’s emotional balance struck a chord with him. The conversation moves beyond cinema, as the actor re flects on philosophy, passion, humility and the importance of staying human. Excerpts:

WHAT DOES 45 MEAN TO YOU? \
45 is cathartic — almost like an ocean of reality, both emo tionally and cinematically. It speaks about passion, responsi bility and the social truth we live with. When Arjun Janya narrated the subject, he didn’t just tell the story — he per formed every character. Within 4 to 5 minutes, when he ex plained the idea of 45, I knew this was something special.

WHAT ABOUT THE STORY CONVINCED YOU TO GET ON BOARD?
First, it was the way the story was narrated. And then, of course, sharing screen space with Upendra and Raj B Shetty. What I loved was that screen time wasn’t decided by populari ty or star power, but purely by the needs of the story. Every character is strong and interconnected. It’s about three lives — how they intersect, carry emotional weight, and reveal un expected turns. Each character carries regret, frustration and truth. No one is entirely a hero or a villain, and that’s what makes it real. It’s a commercial cinema, but it stands out be cause it’s unpredictable. You won’t see it coming.

THE STORY PLAYS WITH THE SPACE BETWEEN LIFE AND DEATH. IS IT DIFFICULT TO UNDERSTAND?
Not at all. It’s deeply engaging. Some films draw you in so completely that you feel like you’re part of the story. You relate at that level. They say life is a gift and death is a secret — the film gently reminds us of that. The message flows naturally. It’s not philosophy, propaganda or documentation. It’s a proper commercial film, but beneath the entertainment lies an honest reflection of today’s society.
WAS THERE ANY SPECIFIC RESEARCH INVOLVED FOR YOUR ROLE?
There was no need for specific research. The character was already well-designed by Arjun. My responsibility was to not disturb the body language or dilute its impact. This character isn’t about power; it’s about impact. That’s what makes it special. I also strongly believe acting is a collaborative effort. You begin as a blank page. From the writer and director to the makeup artists, costume designers and lighting technicians — everyone builds the character with you. Much like parents, teachers and mentors shape us in life. That must always be acknowledged.

WHAT CONTINUES TO EXCITE YOU TODAY AS AN ACTOR?
It takes time to get into and out of a character. But I’m truly grateful for the opportunity to live this character in 45. You don’t often get roles that stay with you emotionally and spiritually. I’m also currently working on a Telugu biopic on Bommidi Nar asimha Reddy, which is a completely different experience. There, I need to adapt to who he was, take inspiration from the director, and interpret it in my own way without disturbing the soul of the char acter.

HOW DID THAT HAPPEN? Nothing happens by accident. I once asked the director of my Telu gu biopic why he wanted to cast me. He said he’d been waiting for three years. Take Jailer, for instance — the director noticed me at an event where I greeted Vijay sir. I had a rough beard and a raw look. He said, “That walk, that presence — I want that". That’s how roles come together. Timing, faith and patience matter. I’m also looking forward to Peddi. The team feels the combina tion of Ram Charan and me will add depth to the story, and the role is interesting. Another project I’m excited about is a multilin gual film titled Dad. That one will surprise audiences.

HOW MANY STORIES DO YOU LISTEN TO THESE DAYS? Many. I don’t want to disappoint anyone. People come with hope and enthusiasm, and that must be encouraged. You never know who will become what tomorrow. Nobody knew Mani Ratnam sir, Shankar sir or Rishab Shetty when they were newcomers. You should never underestimate anyone — or start believing you are a god. Be human. God is there to watch over us.

WHERE DO THESE THOUGHTS COME FROM?

From childhood, from my father. He always said, never forget who you are. All of us have lived by that advice. No matter what you become, you should never forget your roots. We live, and eventually we must all die. Loss is inevitable. The age gap between my youngest brother Puneet and me was signifi cant, yet, he passed away. How do you even make sense of that? So I believe that in the time we have, we must do our best. What ever comes your way — good or bad — is destiny. Accept it posi tively. Stay grounded.45 has a beautiful line: show love when peo ple are alive; why wait until they’ve passed? That thought has stayed with me.

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