We have heard stories of many who dreamt of making it big in the magical world of celluloid. Many went on to become stars, good actors, while those who failed faded into oblivion. Meet Venkitesh V.P., who was a contestant in the TV reality show Nayika Nayakan, which was conducted for selecting the lead actors of Lal Jose’s upcoming movie. The energetic, cheerful youngster from Thiruvananthapuram is all set to make a name in the movie industry.
Venkitesh's debut as hero in Malayalam will be through Visakh Warrier's Das Capital. Though much details of the movie aren't yet revealed, the movie is expected to be a comedy-thriller one.
It was in a recent episode of the show that Lal Jose revealed that Venkitesh had been cast as the lead actor in a Telugu movie. The news came as surprise for the contestants and the viewers. The untitled movie will be directed by Veeranji. “Actually, I received the offer even before the TV show commenced. However, as I got busy with the show, the shooting of the movie had to be postponed. It will begin in December. The chance came after I acted in a music album called Mukilae. It had two to three shots of mine, as hero’s friend. I hadn’t said anything about the movie to anyone; I am happy that Lal sir revealed it,” says Venkitesh. The movie is said to be a realistic one.
Incidentally, his first movie experience was with Lal Jose’s Velipadinte Pusthakam, in which he appeared in the Jimikki Kammal song. He had two dialogues in the movie. “Whenever I watched a movie in theatres or on television, I used to note down the names of associate and assistant directors. Later, I messaged them on Facebook, introducing me and revealing my passion for acting. Some of them responded and it was through Lal sir’s chief associate Anil Abraham that I got the chance in Velipadinte Pusthakam. It was Anil chettan who told me about the show and I tried the open audition.”
Venkitesh counts Nayika Nayakan as one of the biggest experiences of his life. He says he was so happy to perform in front of Lal Jose, Kunchacko Boban and Samvrutha Sunil. “I entered the show as an amateur actor. However, the grooming session led by Saran chettan was an eye-opener. I’m sure it will be useful for me in future, too. I had the problem of stage fright in the beginning, but now it’s changed. I got some criticism from Lal sir in the initial stage. But that made me a better performer in the following rounds. Chackochan and Samvrutha chechi used to give me tips.”
His passion for acting sprouted when he was in 12th standard. He says it happened ‘out of the blue’. He acted in some short films during his college days and attended many film auditions after completing his masters.
“I want to thank my family. They have always stood by me patiently. Velipadinte Pusthakam made them happy. But they had apprehensions regarding my future. Now people are recognising me and being cast in the Telugu movie, they are very much happy,” he concludes.'
