Saiju Kurup has completed 15 years in the film industry. The actor had bagged a variety of interesting roles, from comedy to serious, in 2019 and in the beginning of 2020, and post lockdown, he got back to work with Anthakshari. He is currently shooting for Unni Mukundan's Meppadiyan at Erattupetta. Speaking to us on his lunch break, the actor looks back at his film career.
You completed 15 years in the industry on November 4.Yes, that's when we got to know that
Hariharan sir, my first director bagged the JC Daniel Award. Fifteen years are just a number and I feel lucky to have sustained myself in the industry. Meppadiyan is my 111th movie. It is a good feeling, though I came into films accidentally. I got bitten by the acting bug after my first movie, but post Mayookham, I struggled for seven years. Then I got my break in 2012 through
Trivandrum Lodge
. I don't really like to think of what I went through in those seven years between
Mayookham
and Trivandrum Lodge.
The past few years has seen you play some really versatile characters...I wouldn’t know if I can call myself versatile. I am learning and I am getting some very good characters to do. It is thanks to the filmmakers and writers who are considering me and giving me a handful of opportunities to explore different genres. I am lucky with roles today, and I am aware that that may not be the case tomorrow. So, I am neither excited nor anxious.
How was it sharing screen space with your Mayookham co-star Mamtha in Forensic? It was really interesting to do a film together after 14 years and we both realised that we had matured a lot as actors and professionals. We have been friends all these years.
You started as a lead actor but are now playing supporting roles.As I said earlier, I desired to become an actor after Mayookham. My second movie, Lion, had just three scenes, but I was okay about doing it. I never imagined I’d be a star. This is my passion and career. I had struggles, but I would say that I got to play a lot of interesting roles as a supporting actor. I am happy about the space I am in. I am choosing my roles wisely.
I also have films that revolve around me. For example, Janamaithri and
Upacharapoorvam Gunda Jayan
. So, I wish to thank the industry for supporting me well.
How is post lockdown shoot? It feels good to be back to work, though we had two positive cases on the Anthakshari set and had to quarantine ourselves. However, things weren't really bad as we were all in a resort at Kallar and were isolated together for 10 days. Meppadiyan is being made as a theatrical release.
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