Who can forget Thomas Vazhakkali of
Pathram, S I Kuttikkadan of
Spadikam or the numerous other tough cop characters that have pushed us to the edge of the theatre seats? George Antony aka
Spadikam George, who essayed them all with elan, is now enjoying his stardom on the mini screen. The veteran, who already has many characters to his credit on TV, is now playing a prominent role of Col R V Thampuran in the new serial
Sumangali Bhawa
. George, who is settled in Chalakudy, tells us more about his career and life.
‘AUDIENCE ALREADY LOVE THAMPURAN’ When I was offered this role, I said yes as it isn’t like any I have done till now in my career. So far, only about 10 episodes of the serial have gone on air, but I am already thrilled with the response to the character. Last week, while I was waiting to board the train from Thiruvananthapuram to Ernakulam, a few porters happened to walk up to me. I was surprised when they said they love
Sumangali Bhawa and my role. I felt I got a place in their hearts and it was great.
In the serial, Thampuran is a wealthy man, who is quite an authoritarian. He does it all to discipline his timid grandson Sooryanarayanan, to make him an efficient businessman.
In my earlier serials like
Snehanjali, I have played rude men like its character Fernandez. At that point, women and children among the audience weren’t very friendly with me. However, they seem to be able to connect with the disciplinarian grandpa Thampuran, much better. I can also see that TV is the right medium to connect with family viewers, than movies. Even those who are physically challenged watch TV more than movies in theatres.
KUTTIKKADAN THE TERROR Spadikam gave me a big break in films. Even my young co-actors in
Sumangali Bhawa ask me to share memories from
Spadikam’s set and sharing screen with Mohanlal. I too enjoy doing the same. We hear about
Spadikam’s sequel often these days, but Bhadran has confirmed with me that it isn’t happening. Many viewers still think that I am a cop in real life. They ask me whether I have retired from the service and the like, often.
LOVE, COMEDY AND CHARACTER ROLES I played numerous memorable villain characters but now, it is difficult for me to do action sequences needed for them. I have always loved performing comedy roles and want to try creating a different image by doing more of them.
For instance, after I did the Mohanlal film
Hello, in which I play a comic role, many said they felt close to me. Movies like
Vettam and
Carbon have also helped me explore my acting skills further, by trying roles different from negative characters. I would love to continue playing grandpa, father or uncle roles now on (laughs).
UP NEXT I also have a few films in my kitty. Kalabhavan Shajohn’s
Brothers Day and Baburaj’s
Black Coffee are a few among them. Along with acting, I am also a religious person. I conduct Bible convention events in Kerala and abroad. It gives me mental strength, and refreshes my soul and body.
Photo courtesy: Ajilal
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