Allu Sirish had a big broad smile on his face as he sat down for the interview. One would be surprised to see his demeanour that exuded warmth without any airs normally associated with star kids coming from one of the biggest families of actors in the country.
His big brother Allu Arjun is one Telugu actor who has a fan club in Kerala, but Sirish is not the one to ride on that popularity. He is all set to enter M’town with Mohanlal-starrer 1971: Beyond Borders. Pesipokuthu, the song he stars in, is already on everyone’s lips and many feel that the young star will sweep everyone off the floor.
Sharing his shooting experience, Sirish says, “I’ve watched a lot of Malayalam films and have always wanted to work in one. Though I met director Major Ravi sir by chance, I guess it was meant to be. Maybe we could call it law of attraction. We got into a casual conversation and then he said he is doing this film and asked if I would like to do this role. I said, why not? He asked me to come over to Kochi, where I heard the script, I signed up and in three weeks, began shooting.”
Still from 1971: Beyond Borders.
On how he got under the skin of his character, Sirish says, “We went to Suratgarh Army Base Camp, and I got trained for 25 days to become Lt Chinmay. They taught me how to drive a tank on the training ground. I spent time with the jawans; it was a huge learning experience. I understood quite a bit about what goes on in their lives and how the army functions.”
In the movie, Sirish plays a 24-year-old Tamilian. “I play a tank commander, a very impulsive and aggressive character who is ready to give up everything for the nation. His goal is to win the Paramveerchakra.”
So does he share any common traits with his character? “Yes, there are definitely similarities. I am very brash and there is a clear line between who my friends and enemies are.”
Speaking about Mohanlal, Sirish’s face lights up. “Working with such a legendary actor is like joining an acting master class. I got to learn a few things about acting after seeing him work. And Ravi sir’s working style is quite different from the other directors I’ve worked with. Off screen he is very jovial, but on location, he is very strict. He is very clear about what he wants.”
Coming from a star family, he wouldn’t have had to look elsewhere for advice. He agrees, “Yes, they would definitely advise, but would never impose. My dad and brother believe that personality will not blossom if a person is always guided. After I signed my first film in Telugu, my dad told me, even if it works it will only do limited numbers and may be get a critical acclaim. He asked me if I am sure about signing it, I said yes. My first film flopped. I don’t think he really wanted me to do it, but he never asked me not to.”
Growing up amidst leading actors and producers, Sirish was introduced to the arclights at a very young age. “As a child, even when we went to the sets, nothing really made an impact. Even though I started off as a child artiste, I don’t think that as children we give too much thought to it. I developed an interest in films in my teens. At a certain point, I thought I’ll get into direction or production and do acting occasionally. I didn’t know if I wanted to be a full-time actor. Then I did a filmmaking course from New York and soon realised that it was not my cup of tea. Writing is fine; I do write a little poetry and all.”
Quizzed about his dancing skills, Sirish laughs, “Oh I don’t dance as good as my brother. I just take basic training for dance rehearsal, that’s all. I haven’t had any formal training in dance and don’t intend to make that my strength.”
