Interview with Soorampudi Sudarshan
Special Gallery
Sudharshan is a noted and known comedian to the Telugu audience.
Unlike many, entry into films went easy for this professor who
was working for Civil Engineering Department at SRKR Engineering College, Bhimavaram. That too, his entry was initiated by none other than director Bapu. Though most of us know him for his role in Bapu's Mr. Pellam (as Narada), his first film was Srinatha Kavisarvabhouma (another Bapu's film). Though he was a professor, his passion for films got him into films. Initially he restricted himself just for Bapu films. He was working at that time. Later on, he resigned to
his teaching profession and took up full time movie roles. Now, he has his own place in the comedy segment of Telugu films. Here is a detailed interview with Soorampudi Sudharshan.
Acting career
First act was in 7th Class in a school play titled Mondi Guruvu Banda Sishyudu. I played Sishyudu in that play. Audience went on clapping after the play. That was a great moment. Studies took the front stage from then on. Even then, I used to do plays here and there. The seed sowed in the 7th class only grew into
bigger proportions. After completing education,
I joined as a lecturer at SRKR Enginerring college. Due to family related issues, I got fixed to the job for a while. I got myself actively involved in the cultural activities in the school. On the other hand, I always had good aquaintance with Sri Ramana. On one fortunate day, I got introduced to Sri Bapu. Bapu told me about a good character in a serial. What else can an artist look for? I immediately jumped on it. That way I made entry into small screen through Bapu's Navvite Navvandi serial. I played
Pinnigari Mogudu in that serial.
Entry into films
That also happened through Bapu garu. First film is Srinatha Kavisarvabhowma.
I am so fortunate that I got a chance to act with Legendary NTR in my first film under the supervision of Bapu. That too, I did a full length role in that film. I played the role of Ganapati, chief cook of Srinathudu, in that film. Then followed Narada role in Mister Pellam. 'Antha Vishnu Maya' dialog was popular at that time. I was attributed with that dialog whereever I went. I am so proud of that role. Then Ramabantu, Chitram, Ramasakkanodu followed.
You mentioned that you were doing both movies and teaching at one point. How did you balance these two?
I was doing only Bapu films in the beginning. I used to go on leave for the scheduled time and come back to college after the leave. That was uncomfortable and embarrasing. I could not leave my job since I was not sure of my career in films. At that time, I was drawing good salary as a lecturer and with movies it was uncertain. I had good number of responsibilites to take care of. These factors forced me to travel on two ships for a while.
To be honest, it was my loss travelling on two boats. I got good fame with Bapu's films then. I could have exploited that fame very well. But with this job, I failed in that to some extent. Slowly, I completed major responsibilities in my life and then plunged full time into movies. I acted in more than 80 films now. I am enjoying my career in films and am getting good support from the industry too.
Is there any point that you repented on quitting your teaching profession?
No. I never felt that. However, my well-wishers were critical of me when I left my job. They suggested me to go back into the job. Those were a few weak moments for me when I heard such remarks. But now I am past that stage. All I am looking for now is a good break. I got good recognition and all I need is a good break.
What do you think of the comedy then and now? Some critics opine that good comedy was done only in the old days.
I do not agree with it entirely. There is nothing like comedy is gone. Comedy is always there. The difference is how it is being presented. In the old days, comedy is part and parcel of the plot and narration. Now a days, seperate characters and tracks are added to the actual plot to give comic relief in the film. It is good in a
way. The track acts a B-complex injection for the film. That relief is needed in a serious film.
If the comedy in the old days is like Chakrapongali and Pulihora, comedy in the present days is like Pizza and Burger. Instant food does not satisfy all the times. (laughs).
Do you restrict yourself to any kind of roles? What is your strategy with your acting career?
Though I have done mostly comedy characters, I do not restrict myself to specific roles. I am looking for different characters with a different flavor.
I want to do a negative role. Doesnt matter even if it is a comedy villain role.
I try to present myself fresh with every film. I do not like to fall in the monotonous category. I observe the people in my surroundings. I try to imitate every one including paper boy, milk boy and vegetables vendor on the street. Doing that prepares me for any role that demands such histronics. And that gives me confidence too. All I am waiting for is a good role now.
Why are you acting bald right from your first film?
Because that is my hair style (laughs). Also now that I got a recognition with this head, directors prefer me this way than wearing a wig. And this way I am being thankful to my bald head (laughs).
Your take on humor (hasyam) and sarcasm (Vyangyam)
In good old days,
court comedians used to add an ounce of sarcasm to the humor to entertain King who is under severe pressure with daily responsibility. Along with relieving King of the pressure, they were thought provoking. Such court comedians strived for social awareness with the King and that helped the Kingdom a lot. Such humor served multi-purpose in that way. That is the reason why Tenali Ramakrishna, Mulla Nasirudhin, Birbal will be remembered forever for their sense of humor. Now a days, sarcasm is overtaking humor in the sequence and hence they dont get digested well. A good balance has to be maintained between these two for a good one to crack.
How about Humor (Hasyam) and Romance (Srungaram)?
Both of them give pleasure to the human being. Both of them depend on the response nature of an individual.
You laugh with your lips for humor where as you laugh with your eyes in Romance. Romance is a good feeling in which you are lost and Humor is a good feeling in which you gain yourself.
Humor (Hasyam) and Literature (Sahityam)
Baristaru Parvateesam, Panuganti Laxminarasimha Rao's Sakshi, Gurajada's Kanyasulkam are examples to quote for literature. The punch liners (Visurlu) are astounding.
Characters like Gireesam, Venkatesam, Lubdhavadhanulu etc can only be created by literature. And you cannot expect such in the films because literature and movies are two different media. When it comes to films, it was Jandhyala, Bapu and likes who tried to create diverse characters with strong literary touch. One thing is for sure, any character developed will have a literary root some where.
Is there anyone who supported you to continue into films?
Mahanubhavulu.. Legendary NTR garu. He referred me as either Ganapati or Mastaroo through out the making of Srinatha Kavisarvabhowma. Since I was on leave then, accomodation became a problem in Hyd. He arranged accomodation in Nacharam studio. He used to check with me on regular basis about the comforts with my stay.
NTR had great respect for the teachers. That is what I understood from his words. Being a teacher helped me a lot in that way. He was very affectionate. He was the one who advised to continue film career. Probably his words are strongly fixed in my mind.
Memorable moments?
There are plenty. Most memorable one is receiving my first remuneration of 2000.00 Rs from NTR. I will never forget the affection he showered on me.
A good joke for our visitors
Some cartoons bring quick smile on your lips. Especially that is the case with Bapu's cartoons. There is one cartoon from Bapu on Budugu that I liked a lot. (The following cartoon is the one).
Thank you Sudharshan garu. We wish you all the best. We hope that you shine in your comedy roles entertaining us.
