Jayaram Karthik is tireless in reel pursuit

An all-rounder in cricket, a multi-talented actor who blossomed from the small screen, a structural engineer with a masters degree in Mtech, and a passionate sportsperson who nearly played for the state, this is one individual who essays many roles with aplomb. Jayaram Karthik, popularly known as JK of the Ashwini Nakshatra fame, speaks exclusively to Bengaluru Chronicle even as he awaits his upcoming release Bengaluru-23, a remake of the Tamil superhit movie Chennai 28. The talented actor who is on a high with the success of his previous film Chandrika opposite Kamna Jethmalani, is all set to make his debut on the Hindi small screen, playing the role of Ravana in the mythological drama Siya Ke Ram.

“I signed up for Bengaluru 23, for the simplest reason — it is a remake of the Tamil superhit film Chennai 28. Pradeep Raj, the director who was behind the hit Kirataka, is very good creatively. The movie has been shot well and suits the local context too. The best part is the casting, most of us are from a cricketing background — Rajeeva, Dhruva and myself have been playing for CCL, and shooting for it was a great experience. The film revolves around cricket. In fact, we played a real match emoting on field, and this was shot separately for the movie,” says JK, adding that the other highlight is the music of the film which has already become popular composed by debutante Arun Andrews.

Acting became a profession by accident for JK. As a hobby, he took up modelling while he was planning his future as a structural engineer. “Acting was never on my mind despite getting offers when I was a model. I took up modelling as hobby. After I finished my engineering in civil, I did my Mtech and was all set to build a career as a structural engineer. However, after I did a small role in Deadly 2, things changed and I was offered negative roles. I love taking up challenges, and changing people’s perception. Even Ashwini Nakshatra happened when many were unhappy about my small screen foray. Now, it’s history. I have recently signed a Hindi mega serial where I play the mythological character — Ravana,” says the actor.

Cricket has played a major “role” in this actor’s personal life. “I got placements and jobs through cricket. While I never took up any job, the game helped me immensely. I have been playing for a prestigious cricket club for the past 20 years.

I was in the playing 11 for the tournament for the selection of Ranji team, but unfortunately I was 25 then and most of the other youngsters made it to the next level," he says. After Bengaluru 23, JK has a series of releases — Care of Footpath 2 (where he is a cop), Mathomme Sshh, Kuchikoo directed by D Rajendra Babu and Tamil project Veera Dheera Sooran.

Talking about his long-time friend and well-wisher Kiccha Sudeep, JK looks back, saying that he first met Kiccha in 2009 and since then he has been a great friend and he has also learnt a lot about acting from him. “He usually gives me tips as an actor, and as a friend, we just rock! Many don’t approve of Kiccha’s attitude, but in reality he is the most humble person I have met.

He definitely has an attitude, a good attitude which is required in any profession,” says JK. This son of a doctor, and a housewife, has an elder sister who is married and settled in Jaipur. The actor is yet to “think” about marriage though he hints with a smile that it might be next year, or not! A fitness freak, JK gyms early in the morning when he is shooting, at least for two hours and when not shooting, twice a day.