Actor Sharwanand, who broke a long streak of duds with Run Raja Run, is one relieved man. The actor says, “I was waiting for this film and I have finally passed it with good marks.”
But Sharwanand had dithered before signing the film as he is known for his serious roles. “I have mostly played author-backed roles. So when director Sujeeth approached me with the script, I had questions… Whether I could do justice to this kind of mass character, what about the audience response,” he says.
“But the director’s conviction and my producer’s confidence in him made the film happen. I simply followed the director and he, in turn, believed me and gave me a free rein. The credit goes to Sujeeth,” he says, adding, “He is just 24 and I had seen his short films and had liked them. He and his young team worked like experienced campaigners for the film.”
Sharwanand hadn’t even taken remuneration for Run Raja Run. “The producers are close friends of mine. So remuneration never comes in our talks,” he says.
For the film, he even sported a new look. He says, “Yes, the producers and the director forced me to change my look. Bhaskar has provided the costumes and hair stylist Hakim Aalim was roped in for the look.”
Sharwanand feels that he is lucky, he gets different scripts all the time. Since his debut at the age of 19, he had been playing larger-than-life characters, but that seems to have changed now. “I am in my 30s but I am playing 20-something characters in films now,” he says.
The actor turned producer last year and says it is not an easy task. “I learnt how difficult it was to act and produce at the same time. So next time if I produce a film, I won’t act in it and concentrate only on production,” he says.
Sharwanand has many friends in the industry. Charan was his classmate and Nithiin, Manoj, Nani and Naresh are all good friends. “Prabhas anna has liked the film very much. When a big actor like Prabhas comes forward to promote a small film, it is great,” he says.
On the personal front, he says that his parents are looking for a suitable match for him. “If I find the right person, then it (marriage) will happen,” he says. His forthcoming projects include a film with director Kranthi Madhav, a bilingual film with director Cheran (it’s complete) and a few are in talks.
