Television is like playing a game of 20-20: Chi Gurudutt

It’s role reversal time for Sandalwood’s Chi Gurudutt once again. The director, who has acted in several movies earlier, has returned to acting albeit this time on the small screen. It is also his first stint on television and the serial Gurudutt has chosen to lend his acting skills to is the recently-launched Sanju Mattu Naanu that stars Bhuvan Ponnanna, Sanjana Chidanand and Pratham.
“I play Bhuvan’s father in it. In real life, I didn’t have the fortune of becoming a father, so I’m happy that I at least got to play it on the small screen,” smiles Gurudutt.
So what made him opt for television at this juncture? “I had received offers earlier, too. More specifically from Shruti Naidu (the maker of the serial) but it didn’t work out then. She asked me again recently and this time around, I was free to take it up. I had two conditions though: I want my food at 1 pm and that I pack-up at 6 o clock,” says he. “The reason I want to get home early is because I have an ailing uncle and an aged mother to tend to. I took up this assignment because all my requirements were met and it also gave me the opportunity to try something new,” adds Gurdutt.
He also concedes that it did take him some time to get accustomed to the hectic pace of shooting that television demands. “In films, you’re pampered as an actor. There are many breaks and you get to relax in between shots. The format of television is faster. After this stint, my respect for television actors has doubled. They have to be on the job all the while and at the same time deliver perfect takes as there is no luxury of retakes like in films,” states Gurudutt.
As for choosing between acting on TV and films, the director says each has its own advantages. “The movies I did with Shivanna and Kamal Haasan 20 years ago are still spoken about. As for TV, it’s like a game of 20-20. Instant recognition and fast paced. I’m enjoying this role, too,” he wraps up.