ACTOR DISCUSSES HIS CAREER AND PASSION FOR ENTERTAINING
ACTOR Kiran Raj has carved out a place for himself in the hearts of Kannada and Hindi language audiences around the world.
The self-made star has risen up from being a backing dancer to delivering winning turns in popular film and television projects such as Heroes, Love By Chance, Yeh Rishta Kya Kehlata Hai, Tu Aashiqui, Devathe, Kinnari, Chandramukhi, March 22, Asathoma Sadhgamaya and Kannadati. The versatile actor with nearly a million Instagram followers has balanced out big performances with philanthropic work.
With more big projects on the way, Eastern Eye caught up with the popular Indian personality to discuss his acting journey, future hopes, lockdown life lessons and secret of a great performance.
What first connected you to acting?
Initially, I wanted to get into direction and editing and studied for the same too. During my course, there was some audition happening and my friend insisted that I should give it a shot, so I did and ended up with the part. That’s when I realised, I’m quite decent in front of the camera and can act well too. So, one after the other I landed up with roles, and kept improving and learning. Gradually, I realised that I enjoy acting and eventually it became my passion.
How do you look back on your journey as an actor?
I would say it wasn’t easy. I’ve been a background dancer too and have done side roles, but every project of mine has taught me a lot. Today, when I see myself in proper full-fledged roles, I feel proud of my journey as I’ve earned it. Whatever I am today is due to my hard work, along with my parents’ support and blessings.
Which of your characters is closest to your heart?
It’s hard to pick as I give my 100 per cent to each and every character I play. But the one character that’s really interesting, and I’m looking forward to is in my upcoming Kannada movie Swaagatha, as it’s so versatile. I also have a monologue in it, which I’ve attempted for the first time. I hope my audiences love and appreciate it, because I’ve put in a lot of effort into this character.
Which role challenged you most?
I would say Harsha in Kannadathi, as the storyline began with a carefree rich ambitious guy who does not bother about his surroundings and gradually, how he changes and becomes caring and loving. This transition was not easy as I had to play it in a way that my audiences would connect with it, which I think they did like always.
Who have you enjoyed working with the most?
I enjoy working with every creative person, no matter new or experienced, as it teaches me something new in some or the other way.
Does your approach between cinema and TV change?
No, I’m an actor and acting is my job, be it cinema or TV. I do both with equal dedication because at the end of the day what comes on screen has to be 100 per cent good for me and give me self-satisfaction, that ‘yes, I’ve done a good job’. Then only my audiences will be able to love it.
How do you approach a new project?
Every new project is a fresh journey for me. With the kind of person I am, I get involved 100 per cent with it. I am a perfectionist, so need things to be proper. I pick things that I am confident about and which I think I can justify to my audiences.
What can we expect next from you?
I have quite a few interesting films lined up in Kannada and Telugu, and every story is different from the other, so audiences will get to see me in a variety of interesting roles, which I am sure they will enjoy.
Do you have a dream role?
Yes, I have a few in mind that I will someday portray on a larger scale, but until then it’s a surprise.
What according to you is the secret of a great performance?
Dedication completely. You have to live a role to give a great performance; until you don’t feel it from within, you won’t be able to perform. At least that’s what works for me. And I believe that when my audiences are investing their time and money to watch me, and showering me with so much love and appreciation, I owe them a great performance each time.
What is it that inspires you?
Challenges in life inspire me. Every time there is a new project or situation in my personal life and the way I have to deal with it according to the situation really inspires me, because it teaches me how life moves on, and how we need to move ahead with equal motivation and dedication, balancing everything at the same time.
If you could master something, what would it be?
I would like to master the art of filmmaking for sure as I’m very passionate about it from my college days. Even in my free time, I keep trying my hands at editing, writing, etc., and one day it’s my dream to make my own film and be behind the camera.
What kind of content do you enjoy watching as an audience?
Action flicks any day and anytime!
What is the biggest life lesson lockdown has taught you?
Nothing is permanent. We should value everything and every person that God has given us in our lives, and thank God for at least giving us the capacity to go through these difficult times, because there are many around us that don’t have what we do. And try to help as many as possible.
ACTOR Raj Ghatak praised the enduring appeal of The Producers as he takes on a role in the hit Broadway show, now playing in the West End.
Ghatak is the first person of colour to portray Carmen Ghia, the flamboyant partner of eccentric director Roger DeBris (Trevor Ashley) and, consequently, his character is dressed in the south Asian attire of sherwani (tunic) and kurta pyjama.
In an interview with Eastern Eye, he said, “The world was arguably a happier place when it was first written.
“But what we’re finding now is that audiences are so grateful to laugh. They sit down, immerse themselves in the story, and forget everything else. That’s the power of theatre.”
Describing the show as a kind of “therapy” for modern times, Ghatak said, “Audiences tell us how welcome it is to laugh so hard again”.
It is the first major London revival of American filmmaker and actor Mel Brooks’ classic, which earned an unprecedented 12 Tony Awards, and has transferred from a sold-out run at the Menier Chocolate Factory to the Garrick Theatre.
Based on Brooks’ 1967 cult film, the story follows two desperate Broadway producers who scheme to get rich by producing a flop, only for their plan to go hilariously wrong.
Trevor Ashley as Roger DeBris and Ghatak as Carmen Ghia in The Producers
Teeming with Brooks’ signature wit, the show delights in its irreverence, sending up everything from show business to politics. Ghatak said, “It’s massively exciting to be part of it. And this time around, they’ve leaned in to my ethnicity. I wear a kurta pajama and a sherwani – things that have obviously never been done before. It gives us visibility.”
Two decades ago, Ghatak starred in Bombay Dreams, AR Rahman’s West End musical produced by Andrew Lloyd Webber, that became a cultural turning point for British Asian performers.
Ghatak recalled how the show “broke the glass ceiling for south Asian actors”.
He said, “At the time, it was just a job – a very high-profile one. But, years later, people tell me they were taken to see that show as children, and because of it, they felt they had permission to be an actor. That’s something that was never the case in my day.”
That generational shift is something Ghatak takes pride in. “When I look back, it feels like we’ve come a long way. But we still have a long way to go.”
Being part of The Producers brought Ghatak face to face with one of his heroes. Brooks himself, now 99, had to approve his casting.
The actor said, “They filmed my meeting. I met the team on a Friday afternoon, and on Monday morning they said, ‘Pending Mel Brooks’ approval, we’d like to offer you the role.’ I remember thinking, if I don’t get his approval, does this mean I can’t do the job?”
The cast had four weeks of full-time rehearsals. “For that production, I watched both films,” Ghatak said, referring to the 1967 original and the 2005 version with Nathan Lane and Matthew Broderick.
“I wanted to understand the source material. I’m a firm believer that if it’s not broke, don’t fix it. Otherwise, you’re changing something for the sake of it. But rehearsals are where you experiment and play.” He credited both Brooks’ writing and Patrick Marber’s direction for the show’s humour.
“Our director comes from a background of plays. My own background is in plays, TV and film. So, we both approached this with the idea that, however heightened the situation or character, it must be grounded in truth,” he said.
Ghatak trained at the Royal Central School of Speech and Drama and Queen Mary University in London and has worked with Emma Thompson, Nicole Kidman, Riz Ahmed, Sir Derek Jacobi, Ewan M c G r e - g o r, Hugh Jackman and Benedict Cumberbatch. His stage credits include The Kite Runner, Life of Pi, Everybody’s Talking About Jamie and The Father and the Assassin. He has worked with some of the most respected directors in theatre, including Dominic Cooke, Indhu Rubasingham, Rufus Norris, Kerry Michael and now Marber.
Despite his achievements, the actor is conscious of the ongoing struggles for representation. He said, “As much as the situation has improved, we’ve still got a long way to go. Roles that challenge me, excite me. There are so many stories from the Asian subcontinent and diaspora that deserve to be told.
“When I started, there were very few people I could look to as role models. That’s why I’ve become such a champion for diversity and inclusion.”
Born and raised in north London to Bengali parents from Kolkata, he grew up surrounded by music and culture.
“My father was a doctor, and my mother was a chemistry teacher,” Ghatak said, adding, “But there was always music at home. My father sings Rabindra Sangeet, my mother plays guitar, and my sister is a classical singer.” Initially, he didn’t see acting as a viable career. “I went to a very academic school.
My interests were split between medical sciences and the performing arts.”
Eventually, he followed his childhood passion and trained as an actor.
He said, “A show like The Producers challenges me in a different way - it makes me laugh and it makes me think. That’s what keeps me passionate about the work.”
Asked what continues to excite him about musical theatre, Ghatak said, “Being in this show and telling this story. The comedy, the chaos, the craft… it’s such a joy. And to be the only person of colour among the six principal cast members, representing our community on such a stage, that’s something I’m proud of.”
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