The actor plays a father for the first time
Jagapathy Babu
Tollywood actor Jagapathy Babu is not a stranger to Tamil audiences, as he has done a few K’town films like Madarasi, Thaandavam and the recent Lingaa with Superstar Rajinikanth. Having acted in many Tollywood films as a hero, the actor plays a father for the first time and that too to a big star like Mahesh Babu.
“There’s no rule for being a hero or playing a character role. About 15 years back, even at the peak of my career I broke the rule and did a supporting role. I just do not plan and takes life as it comes. When the offer for Lingaa came which had me in a negative role, I gladly accepted it,” says Jagapathy, who sports a salt-n-pepper look for his upcoming movie. He quickly adds, “I did Lingaa only for the sake of Rajini sir. It was not for money, but to share the screen space with him, and spend time with the Superstar. It was an enriching experience.”
The actor, who is fluent in Tamil says, “Though I was born in Vijayawada, I did my school and college education in Chennai. My dad relocated to Chennai and started his own production Jagapathy Pictures and produced many Tamil films including three hits with thespian Sivaji Ganesan.”
Quiz him of his salt-n-pepper look ála George Clooney, something the Tamil star Ajith also sports, Jagapathy maintains that he always tries out something different with his looks. “Oh, yeah, I have seen Ajith with a similar look. Frankly speaking, I simply did a personal photo shoot two years back where I had tried this salt-n-pepper look.”
He says he is a big fan of Ajith and loves his acting. “I watch most of Ajith’s films and I really like his performances. Given a chance, I want to do a movie with Ajith — I could play a baddie or a character and I think it will work.” He also expresses that he is interested to do ‘art films’ like how Amitabh Bachchan does — mature and sensible movies.”
On working with Selvaraghavan in Kaan, he says, “He is a perfectionist to the core. It’s a big challenge to work with him. But I could manage with my vast experience in the industry. I play a Research Analysis Wing officer who has been kicked out of the force. Out of frustration he becomes a drunkard and uses cuss words very often. Hope they are not muted by censors (laughs).” He denied the rumour that Kaan is set against the backdrop of red sandalwood smuggling.
To a query if he is interested in directing or producing films like his dad, he is quick to react, “Directing a movie means more responsibility and patience and I don’t think I am cut for it. I am a bad businessman and hence cannot be a good producer.”
( Source : deccan chronicle )
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