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Gautham Karthik : Emerging out of the 'Kadal'

Gautham Karthik now has a busy 2014 ahead, with three releases on the cards.

His infectious laughter, charisma and classy demeanour remind one of dad Karthik from his 'Navarasa Nayagan' days — and it wouldn’t be a stretch to predict that Gautham too is going to follow in his father’s footsteps and become one of the industry’s most sought after leading men.

Maybe he already is? Far from resting on his star-son tag, Gautham Karthik, the 24-year-old, fresh-from-his-Kadal-debut, has already signed three biggies for release next year, all of which seem set to catapult him to the top of the charts. Be it 'Sippai' with Lakshmi Menon, 'Yennamo Yedho' with Rakul Preet Singh, or 'Vai Raja Vai' with Priya Anand — his trio of offerings is widely anticipated.

In this exclusive with DC, Kollywood’s latest heartthrob talks about 2014 set to be a decisive year, the different equations he shares with his leading ladies, why family always rules and Dyna, the one true love of his life.

“Life after Kadal? People look at me now — that never used to happen earlier,” he laughs. “Even so, it’s only in Chennai that I’m recognised a little bit; I’m pretty much unknown in Bengaluru and I lead a very chilled-out life there. I shuttle between both cities, but these days, live out of a suitcase due to so much work,” he says, harking back to the rollercoaster of a year that 2013 has been, with him getting to work with director Mani Ratnam. “I have absolutely no complaints, I love my work and I hope my next releases are all spread out evenly. Kadal has given me so much — even though the movie didn’t match expectations, my performance was appreciated and that feels good. The film was Mani sir’s interpretation and I was a tool in his hands, one who put my heart and soul into the project. But I do look back at myself on screen now and wish I could apply what I know now about acting in Kadal!

That’s always the case, yeah?” he says.

Along with Atharvaa and Vikram Prabhu, he’s part of a new-age generation of star kids who have all made their entry into films recently; does that ever play on his mind, the fact that he has a competitive edge? “They are both my ‘big brothers’! No, I’ve never really thought of it like that — each of us are unique in our own ways and are trying to make our own mark. But when I see veteran actors like my dad and Prabhu uncle reminisce about the old days — it was like we were all one big family then. I wish we could be that way now,” he muses.

Gautham points out how his is an ongoing journey in learning from the best. “Obviously, I watch my dad whose range is so eclectic and it’ll be a huge leap for me to match his standards some day. Working with Prabhu uncle in Yennamo... taught me how to improvise on the spot, and I admire the wealth of experience he has in the industry,” says Gautham.

Offering a quick look at the films that are about to release, he says, “Yennamo..., which will release first, is a romcom about a young man’s search for love — it’s a remake of a Telugu hit film. Sippai, on the other hand, is a total masala offering; a commercial flick all the way where I get to play a college kid. Vai Raja Vai is a thriller where the hero gets pulled unexpectedly into a tricky situation,” he explains. “My co-star, Priya and I have become good friends now and she’s also really helpful, super fun and sociable, loves kids and keeps playing with them whenever they come on set. Rakul, by the way, is a huge goof. Her brother hangs out with us and we are all on the same wavelength. Lakshmi — woah, that girl’s professionalism is insane. One moment, she has this child-like demeanour, and the next, she’s seriously focussed on the script and is working harder than anyone else!” Gautham exclaims. Apart from these three imminent releases, he has signed up for movies to be produced by Thanu and Vetrimaaran.

Let’s take a break from movie world and focus on his family for a minute — how have his parents reacted to his change in lifestyle? “Well, mom was also an actress, so there’s a great deal of discussion at home about my films and she does give me advice, asks me to try out different roles. She’s my Zumba dance partner! Dad, on the other hand, was emotionally overwhelmed when he realised I was acting — he was like, OMG, that’s my son on screen!” Gautham laughs.

Do they also approve of his obsessive fan following, especially the girls? “Ayyo, trust me, I had no idea that it would be like this. In school, I was always the quiet paavam kid. Only later on, I got into music and sports, and honed my people skills. I worked at a jungle resort, took visitors trekking, was a bartender for sometime, jammed with my friends in a band, then took to modelling and got a taste of the Page 3 world which was not for me at all! But all these experiences taught me a lot. In college, I hated the idea of cliques and wanted to mingle with everyone. I guess that defines me now!” he says.

But surely he has a girlfriend? “I don’t! And it’s because work is so hectic that it would be totally unfair on her and the relationship. But I did get asked out recently by a guy on Twitter once who asked me if I was gay — and I was like, Dude, I’m straight, but to each his own,” Gautham grins and takes leave.

Dream role

I would love to play a mythological character on screen — something like a Maharaja or Aladdin. It would definitely challenge my skills and would be a new experience.

Music

Whenever I’m in Chennai, I love jamming at my friend’s house, with the band Incarcerated Bliss. I have a blast, and we totally rock it.

Books

I am a huge fan of the Wheel of Time series by Robert Jordan.

Style statement

Absolutely casual and comfortable! You’ll always find me in my trademark attire of a striped shirt, checked shorts and flip-flops.

Favourite holiday spot

Goa, anytime. And closer home, it’s Ooty.

Star crush

Meg Ryan, hands down! Yes, I know she’s old, but imagine what I could learn from her?

Current obsession

Dyna, my Super Glide Custom Harley Davidson. She is truly the one true love of my life.

( Source : dc )
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