Sharath Lohithaswa’s role in a Tulu film sees him invoke the female demigod within him

When multi-lingual actor Sharath Lohithaswa talks about his association to Pidayi, a low budget Tulu film directed by Santosh Mada that shifted something within him, there’s a gentleness in his voice. “Most new filmmakers assume I’m unapproachable or highly demanding. But that’s not the case. If I like a story, I can let go of the comforts that commercial films offer. Doing one such film a year fuels my creative soul,” says Sharath. The actor, who plays a role that invokes the female demigod within in this film, tells us what goes into his work: ‘MY NEEDS AS AN ACTOR WERE SATIATED BY THIS ROLE’
When I watched actors like Irrfan Khan, Anupam Kher, Naseeruddin Shah and Nawazuddin Siddiqui perform certain kinds of roles, I would crave to do similar parts in Kannada. Now, I’m glad that need has been satiated by playing the role of a patri in Pidayi. At home, we have a belief system, but we are not superstitious. But, in our village, I have seen how certain people channel the goddess’ energy, and I therefore knew what this part entailed. The character I play, Bojanna, is a patri (a medium) who embodies goddess Mahamayi. When such intense roles come my way, I usually have a dialogue with my director after briefing. And when I come in front of the camera, there are moments when magic happens and it can’t be recreated.

‘I EXPERIENCED ECSTASY WHILE PLAYING THE GODDESS’
There was a moment where I lost control, where the logical mind takes a backseat and the character takes over. During the scene where I embody the goddess, I experienced ecstasy, but I held back with ease, and the director managed the scene skilfully. I’ve also lent authenticity to my character by dubbing in Tulu, and this is something I have done for the first time. Letting go of a caravan on the set and all the benefits that come with commercial films was worth every bit for a role that satisfied me as an actor