In Conversation With Karthik Jayaram
It is not very often that you get to interact with an actor whose passion gets him to do more than required. Team Abraxas recently met one such rising star of Sandalwood (Kannada film industry) KarthikJayaram, popularly known as JK. After playing several negative roles with Sandalwood superstar KicchaSudeep, Karthik rose to fame after starring in AshwiniNakshatra, a popular TV serial. That and his stylishly dragged phrase hi hendati (‘Hello Wife’ in English) made him a household name in Karnataka. From ‘blink and go’ scenes to playing the lead role in Just Love and Chandrika, this stylish actor has come a long way. An engineer by profession and a Bengaluru boy, this dashing multilingual actor is all set to make his mark across Tamil, Telugu, Hindi and other film industries.
Excerpts from the interview:
What has your journey in films and acting taught you?
It’s been a great journey, a roller coaster ride in fact! I started with smaller roles, negative characters and landed the lead role in Ashwini Nakshatra. That role made me a known face and helped me gain popularity among the audience. Now, I am working in Kannada, Tamil, Telugu and Hindi films across genres in lead roles. I have been lucky to get a chance to work with celebs like Sudeep and the legend GirishKarnad. Overall it has been a great learning experience.
I have realised that acting is not just about getting dressed in designer clothes, putting on make-up and reciting your dialogues in front of the camera. It is about understanding the director’s perspective, getting into the skin of the character and bringing it on screen. You should come prepared. But, if you restrict yourself with a ‘what I know is right’ attitude, then it will hamper the project. In addition, an actor can try and add his own perception and an innovative touch to the role. So yes, the journey has been fruitful and there’s a long way ahead.
Was your entering this industry quite by chance?
Yes it certainly was! I never planned for this. I went for an audition with a friend and was selected for a project, however nothing moved on that front. In my first film I was seen in only three scenes and that too for 5 seconds each. Many people suggested that this is a difficult line of profession and I shouldn’t give up my secured job. It was a big risk, but I had a feeling that acting was my field and passion and this was what I wanted to do – not just for a living but for a life. It was difficult in the beginning and it is good to face difficulties, only then can you enjoy the success that follows. There were struggling days, but I decided not to give up… and here I am today, happy to see people know and recognise my face and talent. I am grateful to Ashwini Nakshatra, the team and my colleague Mayoori. This serial helped me build a relationship with my audience.
How do you select a film to work in?
I think my 9 years of experience in the corporate world has helped here. While discussing any story, I take it like a project and plan the procedures and the steps forward. I discuss about the plans on filming the story, effectively marketing it and then releasing it to the audience. Reverse planning and being systematic and professional is what I wish to bring back to this industry from my corporate experience. It’s difficult, but you have to keep trying. The way a film is planned impacts the implementation and reflects on the results.
So what do you believe – that your destiny was favourable or your hard work and perseverance paid off?
I believe that I am very fortunate… and my definition of luck is ‘when hard work meets destiny.’ One should have the patience and be present at the right time to grab the right opportunity. Of course hard word and discipline is the key to success. Most importantly one should follow his/her instincts and also have
a plan B.
You are presently working in several film industries. What is the difference that you find in them?
There’s a lot of difference in each of these industries. The Telugu industry is much more organised. People here are disciplined, professional and extremely passionate about film making, which takes the final product to a different level altogether. There’s no compromise. If we bring a similar style of working and better utilisation of resources in our Kannada film industry, it can become the most successful industry! After all, our films have the calibre and are full of entertainment.
Is there anyone in particular who you have enjoyed working with?
Mr.AroorJagdish, director of AshwiniNakshatra. He carved my character and honed my skills. He gave me the liberty to think and play the role my way. In movies, I admire Ravi Shrivatsa, director of Deadly 2, my first film. He is an excellent director and script writer. Working with Sudeep and EshaDeol (Care of Footpath 2) was also an enriching experience.
Whom would you like to work with?
I think every actor has a desire to share screen with the legendary Amitabh Bachchan and I am no different. Also, I am inspired by the way MadhurBhandarkar gives treatment to his stories, it would be a pleasure to work with him too.
Do you have any passions other than films?
I love cricket and have been playing for 18 years. I play for the Karnataka Bulldozers in the Celebrity Cricket League (CCL). And I am fond of working out too and have been for the past 16 years. I find peace at the gym. I also used to also sketch a lot earlier.
Do you have any message for young aspirants?
One has to be very calm and patient – shooting for long hours and re-doing the scenes can get to you at times. Respect people around you – the cast and crew and do not throw tantrums. Most importantly respect the audience or fans, you are here for them and they are the ones who make you. I believe you should stay grounded and be connected to your roots, that’s what strengthens your growth. Do what you love!
What’s next?
I am waiting for the release of my upcoming movies which include my debut in Bollywood with Care of Footpath 2, a bilingual in Kannada and Hindi film, in which I play a bad cop; Chandrika, a bilingual Kannada and Telugu thriller, in which I play a painter, Bangalore – 23 (remake of Chennai 600028), Kuchiku and MatthommeHushh. I wish to be known and seen in movies across all genres and industries and for that matter, why not Hollywood? I have big dreams to achieve and am optimistic about it. This is just the beginning…
It is not very often that you get to interact with an actor whose passion gets him to do more than required. Team Abraxas recently met one such rising star of Sandalwood (Kannada film industry) KarthikJayaram, popularly known as JK. After playing several negative roles with Sandalwood superstar KicchaSudeep, Karthik rose to fame after starring in Ashwini Nakshatra, a popular TV serial. That and his stylishly dragged phrase hi hendati (‘Hello Wife’ in English) made him a household name in Karnataka. From ‘blink and go’ scenes to playing the lead role in Just Love and Chandrika, this stylish actor has come a long way. An engineer by profession and a Bengaluru boy, this dashing multilingual actor is all set to make his mark across Tamil, Telugu, Hindi and other film industries.
lease of my upcoming movies which include my debut in Bollywood with Care of Footpath 2, a bilingual in Kannada and Hindi film, in which I play a bad cop; Chandrika, a bilingual Kannada and Telugu thriller, in which I play a painter, Bangalore – 23 (remake of Chennai 600028), Kuchiku and MatthommeHushh. I wish to be known and seen in movies across all genres and industries and for that matter, why not Hollywood? I have big dreams to achieve and am optimistic about it. This is just the beginning…
